Zika virus in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia: are there health risks for travelers?

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2019 Sep;38(9):1585-1590. doi: 10.1007/s10096-019-03563-6. Epub 2019 May 2.

Abstract

Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia have reported first cases of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection since 2010 (Cambodia) and 2016 (Vietnam and Laos). One case of ZIKV-related microcephaly was recognized among a hundred infected cases in these areas, raising a great concern about the health risk related to this virus infection. At least 5 cases of ZIKV infection among travelers to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia were recorded. It is noticeable that ZIKV in these areas can cause birth defects. This work aims to discuss the current epidemics of ZIKV in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and update the infection risk of ZIKV for travelers to these areas.

Keywords: Cambodia; Laos; Travelers; Vietnam; Zika virus infection; Zika virus–infected travelers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cambodia / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks / statistics & numerical data
  • Epidemics*
  • Humans
  • Laos / epidemiology
  • Microcephaly / virology
  • Risk Factors
  • Travel*
  • Vietnam / epidemiology
  • Zika Virus Infection / complications
  • Zika Virus Infection / epidemiology*