Zika virus – Incidence and trends
To date, 7 countries and territories in the Americas have confirmed autochthonous , vector - borne transmission of Zika virus disease since 2015 .In addition, five countries in the Americas have reported sexually transmitted Zika cases.Since th e last Zika Epidemiological Update o fOctober 2016 , no additional countries and/or territories have confirmed vector - borne autochthonous transmission of Zika virus in the Americas ( Figure 1 ) .
Highlighted below is a summary of the Zika epidemiological situation by sub - regions of the Americas .
North America
In Mexico, since the beginning of the outbreak up to epidemiological week (EW) 3of 2016 cases had an upward trend. W hile a downward trend of confirmed cases has been observed from EW 40 through EW , this trend may vary as data is updated retrospectively .
In the United States of America, the area of transmission within the county of Miami - Dade,
Florida continues to increase. In a press release issued 19 October 2016, the state of Florida and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on the investigation of autochthonous transmission in a new area within the county of Miami - Dade.
Central America
In Central America, Guatemala has presented a stable trend from EW 37 through EW 40 of 2016 .
Panama continues to report an increasing trend in cases. Similarly, in Belize, a n increasing trend in cases is reported between EW 3 6 and EW 39 of 2016 .
In the other countries of Central America, the trend continues to decrease.
Caribbean
To date, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the last country and/or territory in the Region to have detected aut ochthonous transmission of Zika . Since the beginning of the epidemic up to EW 40, new cases have been reported, with an increasing trend.
In the islands of Turks and Caicos an increasing trend of cases occurred b etween EW 36 and EW 38 of 2016.
Other countr ie s/territories in the Caribbean also show a declining trend of Zika cases.
South America
All countries in South America continue to report decreasing number s of Zika cases.