WHO has published Zika virus infection – Netherlands - Bonaire and Aruba. Excerpt:
Between 15 and 16 February 2016, WHO was notified of the first autochthonous cases of Zika virus infection on the islands of Bonaire and Aruba. These islands are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are situated in the southern part of the Caribbean region, just north of the Venezuelan coast. Aruba is an autonomous, self-governing constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands.
Bonaire
On 15 February, the National IHR Focal Point (IHR NFP) for the Netherlands reported one case of Zika virus infection in Bonaire. The case was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on 12 February.
Aruba
On 16 February, IHR NFP for the Netherlands notified WHO of the first four autochthonous cases of Zika virus on the island of Aruba. The cases include three resident islanders and a tourist. All cases were confirmed by RT-PCR on 15 February.
An additional seven cases of Zika virus infection have been identified in Aruba. These reported cases acquired the infection in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela.
In the continental part of the Netherlands, to date, 24 imported cases of Zika virus infection have been confirmed. All patients were diagnosed following a visit to Suriname or Aruba. All diagnoses were made by RT-PCR.
Public health response
Control measures have been implemented by local public health authorities in accordance with WHO guidelines in both Bonaire and Aruba. Because of this imminent epidemic, during the past months, local authorities have intensified mosquito control programs.
