Zika Virus Disease Response Protocol

The report by Rosa et al on a Zika virus (ZIKV) disease response protocol is very interesting. ¹ Rosa et al report on “the development and implementation of a protocol for the diagnosis and management of suspected cases of Zika virus infection in a large academic medical center.” ¹ In fact, having a good protocol is required and it must be based on updated knowledge. Vest noted that “understanding what is known about the virus and its clinical presentation will assist in prevention, detection, and response measures to reduce and control the spread of the virus.” ² “Educating workers, women of childbearing age, and others traveling in ZIKV-infected areas about prevention strategies” is the common suggestion. ³ For a medical center, the important topic is the occupational health of the medical personnel. Indeed, ZIKV infection is the big global public health issue with which present workplace health safety must be concerned. The possibility of ZIKV to be transmitted by uncommon methods must be kept in mind. This might be the future threat to medical personnel. Nevertheless, at present, prevention is the important topic for counteracting the problem. Of any method, the main prevention for ZIKV infection should be control of mosquitoes and prevention of mosquito bites. However, this is not included in the protocol of Rosa et al. ¹ Mosquitoes are found worldwide in many places. Vector control is needed at working stations, but this is usually a forgotten issue in preparedness. ⁴ It is important to be concerned with infection control in any workplace, including hospitals with ZIKV-infected patients, but this may be overlooked. According to a recent survey, mosquito vector larvae are common in hospitals in endemic areas. Hospitals can be a forgotten risk place for transmission of ZIKV. ⁵