Zika virus disease

In March 2015, Brazil reported a large outbreak of rash illness, soon identified as Zika virus infection and, in July 2015, found to be associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

In 2016, WHO declared that the recent association of Zika infection with clusters of microcephaly and other neurological disorders constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. To date, a total of 86 countries and territories have reported evidence of mosquito-transmitted Zika infection. 

No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection. Development of a Zika vaccine remains an active area of research.

WHO is supporting countries to control Zika virus disease by taking actions outlined in the Zika Strategic Response Framework.