Zika fever virus now found in Dominican Republic

Zika fever virus has now spread to the Dominican Republic. The first confirmed case was registered in the city of Puerto Plata. Since this virus is transmitted by the same mosquito that spreads dengue fever and chikungunya, many more cases can be expected nationwide.

Advice

Since infection with this virus causes a rather mild flu-like illness, there may be many cases in the community that do not seek medical attention and are not reported to health authorities. Travellers can avoid the inconvenience of this untreatable illness by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.