Bangladesh Records First Zika Virus Outbreak, Scientists Confirm

For the first time, scientists at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh have confirmed detection of the Zika virus in the country. In a microscale targeted screening of patient samples from 2023, five cases were detected in Dhaka which is the first cluster of Zika infections to be identified in Bangladesh. The results were published on the icddr,b website on March 3rd.

The researchers screened 152 patients with fever suspected of Zika virus infection at a diagnostic facility in Mohakhali, Dhaka. PCR-based tests found five cases of the infection in individuals living within one kilometer of each other. 

None of the patients had a travel history outside the country in the last two years, strongly suggesting a local transmission chain. One patient also had dengue and thus became the first person in Bangladesh reported to have Zika and dengue coinfection.

Zika generally goes undiagnosed because most infected individuals experience only mild symptoms. It poses considerable danger to women in pregnancy particularly the risk of newborn microcephaly with its ensuing disability and heightened infant mortality. 

Infection can be through mosquitoes, during sexual intercourse and through blood transfusion and mother-to-child transmission. Considering the potential for disease identification and public health threats, the scientists have therefore recommended increasing quarantine and control efforts in Bangladesh.