Zika virus is gradually spreading in Brazil

Cases and outbreaks of Zika virus are now being reported by the following states:

• Ceará - at least 10 cases in the state; may have more cases since diagnosis may be confused with measles (an on-going problem in this state).
• Pernambuco - first 4 cases were all in Recife Metropolitan Area
• Rio de Janeiro - “dozens” of cases

Sitata has already posted alerts for Zika virus outbreaks in other states, e.g., Bahia.

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.