Zika epidemics 2014-2017

An outbreak of Zika virus infections was spreading in the Americas and the Pacific region.

On 1 February 2016 WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding clusters of microcephaly cases and neurological disorders in some areas affected by Zika virus.

There is now a strong consensus in the scientific community about the link between Zika infection and congenital malformations, as well as developing Guillain–Barré (GBS) syndrome.

Affected areas

The Americas, Caribbean, South East Asia

Risk group

Pregnant woman travelling to affected areas

Health risk

Central nervous system (CNS) malformations and microcephaly during pregnancy

Zika transmission worldwide

Zika transmission in the Caribbean

The information on current Zika transmission is useful to evaluate the risk for people who have recently returned from or are planning to travel to countries with active local transmission.

Zika transmission in South East Asia

The information on current Zika transmission is useful to evaluate the risk for people who have recently returned from or are planning to travel to countries with active local transmission.

Zika transmission in past nine months

Countries and territories worldwide with reported confirmed autochthonous vector-borne transmission of Zika virus infection in the past nine months. The information is provided to aid diagnosis for returning travellers, especially pregnant women

Risk assessment

Rapid risk assessment: Zika virus disease epidemic. 10th update, 4 April 2017

5 Apr 2017

Risk assessment

Rapid risk assessment: Zika virus disease epidemic - 9th update, 28 October 2016

31 Oct 2016

Risk assessment

Rapid risk assessment: Zika virus disease epidemic, eighth update

31 Aug 2016

Risk assessment

Rapid risk assessment: Zika virus disease epidemic - 7th update, 12 July 2016

12 Jul 2016

Risk assessment

Public health risks related to communicable diseases at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brazil 2016 - 1st update, 13 June 2016

13 Jun 2016

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Surveillance report

Communicable disease threats report, 21-27 June 2020, week 26

26 Jun 2020

Surveillance report

Communicable disease threats report, 4-10 December 2016, week 49

9 Dec 2016

ECDC comment

Recent scientific findings based on literature reviewed after the ninth update of the ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment on Zika virus infection (19 October to 27 January 2017)

6 Feb 2017

ECDC comment

WHO ends Zika as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

23 Nov 2016

ECDC comment

Recent scientific findings based on literature reviewed after the eighth update of the ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment on Zika virus infection

28 Oct 2016

ECDC comment

Recent scientific findings: Association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly in Brazil, January to May, 2016: preliminary report of a case-control study

20 Sep 2016

ECDC comment

Recent scientific findings, based on literature reviewed after the seventh update of the ECDC Rapid Risk Assessment on Zika virus infection (12 July 2016)

29 Aug 2016

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Strategies and guidelines for Zika virus infection

Recommendations and guidance on public health policy and strategy for Zika virus infection.

Interim guidance for healthcare providers and Zika virus laboratory diagnosis

1 Apr 2016 - This document aims to present an algorithm for deciding whom to test and provide guidance on the laboratory tests for Zika virus infection diagnosis in order to support clinical diagnostic and case reporting through surveillance among EU Member States.

Laboratory tests for Zika virus diagnostic

Laboratories should receive clinical and epidemiological information for establishing their investigation strategy, including date of onset of illness, travel history (date and locations), past flaviviral immunisation records and pregnancy status.

Factsheet about Zika virus disease

Most Zika virus infections are either asymptomatic or cause a mild illness with a transient maculopapular rash. However, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly, congenital nervous system malformations and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

How is Zika virus transmitted?

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. But there are other, although rare, modes of transmission. What can be done to prevent infection?

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Zika epidemics 2014-2017