Detection of a Locally-Acquired Zika Virus Outbreak in Hidalgo County, Texas through Increased Antenatal Testing in a High-Risk Area

Abstract

Hidalgo County (HC), located along the Texas–Mexico border, was listed as a high-risk county for Zika virus (ZIKV) in 2017 by the Texas Department of State Health Services, based on its historical presence of Dengue. Due to its subtropical climate, active binational travel, and population of low socioeconomic status, Hidalgo County focused on disease detection activities for the prevention of further transmission. Therefore, Hidalgo County Health and Human Services enacted public health surveillance, reviewed laboratory results, and conducted epidemiological investigations from 2016 to 2018. In 2017, Hidalgo County experienced a locally-acquired outbreak of Zika virus disease, resulting in the highest local mosquito-borne acquisition case count for the year within the United States. This resulted in Hidalgo County reviewing epidemiological data for disease detection and risk areas. With the data review, key outcomes of testing were identified. This included the importance of both RT-PCR and IgM-ELISA/PRNT testing methods. In addition, increased antenatal testing and surveillance also recognized the need of improved disease identification and testing among the general population, especially during localized outbreaks.

The Eco-Bio-Social Factors That Modulate Aedes aegypti Abundance in South Texas Border Communities

“…aegypti. We also present the associated perception of community members regarding mosquitoes, the diseases they transmit and control measures in one of the few areas in the continental US that has vector borne Zika transmission [ 26 ]. We were able to observe widespread knowledge within these communities regarding mosquitoes, Zika and its methods of transmission, with over 90% of participants capable of identifying adult mosquitoes and at least one arboviral disease.…”

“…aegypti . In the LRGV, improving surveillance efforts and disease awareness of mosquito borne viruses are needed to improve testing and identification of cases [ 26 ]. We assessed community members’ knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) around mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit, allowing us to identify perception gaps that can help guide new community engagement tools to enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control efforts and disease awareness in areas like the LRGV, where disease risk is high, and resources are limited.…”

Zika Virus—A Reemerging Neurotropic Arbovirus Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Neuropathogenesis

“…The outbreak continued to amplify in Brazil, and by 2016, it is estimated that between 200,000 and 1.3 million cases were reported in Brazil, with seroprevalence rates of over 63% [ 8 , 59 , 60 ]. During the peak of the epidemic, in the United States (US), all 49 states along with the District of Columbia reported confirmed cases of ZIKV infection, though most of these cases (4944) were travel-related, with only 224 cases being reported as autochthonous infections [ 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ].…”

Global Perspectives on Arbovirus Outbreaks: A 2020 Snapshot

“…To build on this historical perspective, Kading et al [15] provided a 30-year analysis on the reactionary response of funding agencies to the emergence and invasion of mosquito-borne viruses in the Americas and how these events have also stimulated the innovative development of traps and augmented surveillance capacity. As the most recent arbovirus introduction to the United States, ZIKV infections have been mostly associated with travelers, however local transmission was documented in areas of Florida and Texas [16,17]. To this end, Hinojosa et al [16] reported locally-acquired cases of ZIKV in South Texas, particularly as surveillance efforts were increased out of specific concerns of virus infections in pregnant women.…”

“…As the most recent arbovirus introduction to the United States, ZIKV infections have been mostly associated with travelers, however local transmission was documented in areas of Florida and Texas [16,17]. To this end, Hinojosa et al [16] reported locally-acquired cases of ZIKV in South Texas, particularly as surveillance efforts were increased out of specific concerns of virus infections in pregnant women.…”