Without a Vaccine, Zika Cases Surpass 36,000

Once the Zika fever outbreak subsided in 2015, many public health agencies refocused on chikungunya and dengue outbreaks.

However, continued Zika outbreaks in the Region of the Americas have demonstrated how a relatively obscure mosquito-borne disease can become a persistent health risk.

As of September 24, 2024, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported 36,331 Zika cases this year.

While most people infected with Zika will recover, many infants have been severely impacted by microcephaly. Researchers revealed over 200 microcephaly cases in Brazil.

The PAHO says pregnant women should avoid visiting Zika-endemic countries such as Brazil.

In the United States, the San Juan, Puerto Rico Department of Health says Zika will continue to infect people. As of September 2024, 16 Zika cases have been reported in Puerto Rico.

As of 2024, no approved Zika vaccines exist, but vaccine candidates are conducting clinical research. Valneva SE's second-generation VLA1601 vaccine launched a phase 1 study, with results expected in 2025.