Epidemiological Characteristics of Zika Virus Infections Imported into Taiwan between 2016 and 2021

Abstract

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has resurfaced. It has been confirmed to cause microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. The number of Zika virus infections in South America has increased considerably since 2015. This study confirmed the epidemiological characteristics of the cases of Zika virus infections imported into Taiwan. Patients with travel history to areas at risk of Zika virus infections and had their blood, urine, or saliva samples tested positive for Zika virus through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control were included in this study. Taiwan reported its first case of Zika virus infection in January 2016, and it has reported 26 cases as of December 2021. Most of the patients were men (76.9%, 20/26), aged 20–59 years (73.1%, 19/26), and lived in Northern Taiwan (73.1%, 19/26). Most of the cases were reported in summer and autumn (76.9%, 20/26). The 26 patients included one 4-year-old girl and three teenage boys aged 15–19 years; 22 patients were from Southeast Asia, three patients were from the Americas, and one patient was from Africa. This study is the first to report on the epidemiological characteristics of Zika virus infections imported into Taiwan between 2016 and 2021. These findings can aid policymakers and clinical experts in developing prevention and control measures targeting Zika virus infections, which cause severe illness and imposes a considerable burden on the population.