Countries reporting Zika virus (Mexico and Central America)

The following countries and localities are reporting people infected with the Zika virus:

Mexico: A total of 50 confirmed cases reported by the states of Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Veracruz and Yucatan.

El Salvador: number of confirmed cases not reported.

Honduras: at least 4,800 confirmed cases. An increase in the number of people with Guillian-Barre Syndrome is reported (35 cases).

Advice

The number of laboratory confirmed cases reported by some countries is small. However, since approximately 80 percent of the people infected with this virus have no symptoms and do not seek medical care, it is impossible to know how widespread this virus actually is. Thus, the risk of exposure for the traveller is likewise impossible to estimate with any accuracy.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this infection. Travellers should follow all measures to avoid mosquito bites.

There is growing scientific evidence that this virus may be the cause of microcephaly (small brain) in newborn infants. As a precautionary measure, women who are pregnant in their first trimester should consider postponing travel to countries where this virus is spreading or, at a minimum, take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Some countries are reporting an increase in people with Guillan-Barre Syndrome, a mild to severe neurological illness due to muscle paralysis. However, there are many known causes for this condition, and there is no indication of whether the cases in Honduras or elsewhere are associated with Zika virus infections or whether this number is greater than what is usually observed.