An epidemiological survey for Zika virus infection cases in Korea, 2016-2017

Jeon Byoung-Hak, Lee Seung Eun, Kwon Jeong Ran, Kim Jeong Hyun, Lee Dong Han
Division of Infectious Diseases Surveillance, Center of Infectious Diseases Control, KCDC

Background: Between 2016 and 2017, 28 patients with Zika virus infection were reported from a national surveillance system.
Methods/results: We conducted an epidemiological investigation of the 28 confirmed patients and implemented vector control around their residences. An analysis of demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics of those confirmed Zika virus infection cases indicated that the patients had traveled overseas, for mostly short-term visits, to Southeast Asian countries. They also reported multiple symptoms, including mainly non-specific symptoms such as rash, muscle pain, fever, and headache.
Conclusion: All cases of Zika virus infection in Korea are imported and there is no evidence of secondary transmission of Zika virus in domestic areas. The major infected area is estimated to be Southeast Asia. Timely reporting and testing of Zika virus for those who have recently returned from countries with local transmission are important, particularly if they exhibit symptoms such as maculopapular rash, myalgia or arthralgia.


Keywords: Zikavirus infection, Epidemiologic survey, the national surveillance, Flavivirus