As Zika virus continues to spread in Latin America and the Caribbean region, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (Taiwan CDC) urges all expectant mother returning from affected areas, regardless of whether they had Zika symptoms, to get an ultrasound in order to ensure the health of their developing fetus.

In approximately 80% of adults, the virus can cause no symptoms.Other infected individuals might experience fever, maculopapular rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The symptoms are similar to that ofdengue fever, but milder. Severe cases are rare. The Wolrd Health Organization (WHO) strongly suspects a link between Zika and microcephaly.

Since the Zika outbreak was first reported in Brazil in last May,the number of microcephaly cases reported in Brazil has increased by 20 times as compared to the past year. A cumulative total of 4,700 microcephaly cases have been reported in Brazil. Although the relationship  between Zika virus infection and microcephaly and GBS has not been scientifically proven, WHO still strongly suspects a causal link. Expectant mothers returning from Zika-affected areas are recommended an ultrasound toensure the health of their developing fetus. Besides Zika virus,other factors such as congenital rubella, herpes virus, chromosomal abnormalities, and inborn error of metabolism can also lead to microcephaly in fetus. At the moment, there has been no significant increase in the number of microcephaly cases in Taiwan. Taiwan CDC will continue to closely monitor the numbers of microcephaly and GBS cases in Taiwan and urged physicians to heighten  vigilance.

Thus far, at least 35 countries, areas and/or territories worldwide, primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean region, have reported localoutbreaks of Zika virus infection. Although local cases have been reported in 6countries in Asia and Africa, no direct evidence has shown local transmission has occurred in any of the 6 countries. The number of microcephaly cases reported in Brazil has continued to increase. In addition, some countries, areas and/or territories have observed an increase in the number of GBS cases reported. As of now, besides one imported case of Zika virus infection, no other cases of Zika virus infection have been identified in Taiwan.

Taiwan CDC stressesthat as the Zika outbreaks are ongoing in Latin America and the Caribbeanregion, pregnant women are advised to postpone their trips to areas affected by Zika virus. If visits to affected areas are necessary, an active follow-up following the trip is recommended. Further, Taiwan CDC urges travelers returning from affected areas to proactively contact the quarantine officer at the fever screening station at the airport when suspected symptoms develop, seek immediate medical attention and inform the physician of their travel history.For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website athttp://www.cdc.gov.tw or call the toll-free Communicable Disease Reporting and Consultation Hotline, 1922 (or 0800-001922).