Analysis of suspect and laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus infection in Korea, 2016

Kim Sewon, Shin Seung-Hwan, Choi Eun Kyung, Kim Jia, Noh Yoomi, Lee Jihee, Hong Jeongik*
Zika Virus Preparedness and Response Task Force, KCDC

Introduction: In 2016, the Korea CDC's Zika Virus Preparedness and Response Task Force tried to fully respond to the importation of Zika virus infection. Since March 2017, the response against Zika virus infection has been integrated into the routine management of mosquito-borne viral diseases, following the World Health Organization’s declaration to end Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Methods/results: From analysis of demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of suspect and laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection cases in Korea in 2016, we found that the majority of reported cases had traveled overseas, mostly short-term to Asian countries. They also reported multiple symptoms, including mainly non-specific symptoms such as rash, muscle pain, fever, and headache.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, we make three suggestions for future response strategies. First, our response efforts should continue to be focused on overseas travelers, especially in regard to education and risk communications. Second, patients’ travel histories should always be confirmed through medical consultation for accurate diagnosis. Third, improvement of the algorithms of diagnostic tests should be one of our longer-term response efforts. In order to more efficiently respond to Zika virus infection, an emerging infectious disease of global concern, we should accelerate to put efforts both in the response and research in the future.