Zika Virus In Bolivia: Understanding The Risk And Impact

The Zika virus has been reported in Bolivia, with mosquitoes in the country infected with the virus and spreading it to people. The mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at altitudes above 6,500 feet because of environmental conditions. The virus has been found to be circulating in tropical areas of Bolivia, such as Beni and Santa Cruz de la Sierra, but not in highlands like Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija. The risk of Zika in Bolivia is minimal for travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas above this altitude.

The Zika virus has been associated with severe complications, particularly in pregnant women, such as foetal abnormalities and Guillain-Barré syndromes. There is currently no vaccine or medicine for Zika, so travelers should take steps to prevent getting Zika during their trip and to avoid spreading it when they return.

Zika virus in Bolivia: symptoms, transmission, and treatment

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947. Since 2007, outbreaks of the disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. While most people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms, those who do typically experience a rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headaches that last for 2-7 days. However, infection during pregnancy can cause infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations, as well as increase the risk of preterm birth and miscarriage. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika, and prevention relies primarily on protecting against mosquito bites and preventing sexual transmission.

In Bolivia, the risk of Zika virus transmission is generally low, particularly in high-altitude areas such as La Paz, Uyuni, and Lake Titicaca, where the mosquitoes that transmit the virus cannot survive. However, there have been recorded cases in lower-lying tropical regions such as Santa Cruz. When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, especially if visiting areas with active Zika transmission. This includes wearing long, light-coloured clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets if necessary.

Preventing Zika virus in Bolivia: vaccines, medicines, and precautions

Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite mostly during the day. The virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, as well as through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and possibly through organ transplantation. There is currently no vaccine or specific medicine for Zika virus.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

To prevent mosquito bites, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants and use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. It is also important to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, such as by using window screens.

Preventing Sexual Transmission

To prevent sexual transmission of Zika, the CDC recommends using condoms or abstaining from sex. The timeframe for preventing sexual transmission is at least 3 months for biological males and 2 months for biological females.

Travel Advice

For those travelling to Bolivia, it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, especially during the day and early evening. This includes wearing clothing that covers as much of the body as possible and using insect repellent.

Zika virus in Bolivia: travel advisories and alerts

The Zika virus is present in Bolivia, with mosquitoes in the country infected with the virus and spreading it to people. The mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at altitudes above 6,500 feet, so travellers whose plans are limited to areas above this altitude are at minimal risk of contracting the virus. The departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, and designated areas in the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija are at a higher risk of Zika transmission.

The CDC recommends that travellers who are pregnant should not travel to areas with a risk of Zika, as infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. For all other travellers, the CDC recommends taking steps to prevent mosquito bites and using condoms or abstaining from sex to protect against Zika during travel.

The UK government recommends that travellers to Bolivia have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. The public healthcare system in Bolivia does not meet the same standards as the UK, and travellers may not be able to access it as it is already overstretched. There are private clinics in all main cities that work with international insurance.

Zika virus in Bolivia: risk factors and vulnerable groups

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and related to dengue and yellow fever viruses. The first autochthonous case of ZIKV in Bolivia was reported in January 2016. The virus has been associated with severe complications, such as foetal abnormalities and Guillain-Barré syndromes.

A seroprevalence study of ZIKV in Bolivia was conducted between December 2016 and April 2017. The study revealed that ZIKV circulation occurred in tropical areas (Beni: 39%; Santa Cruz de la Sierra: 21.5%) but not in highlands (~0% in Cochabamba, La Paz, Tarija). The virus spread was modulated by Aedes aegypti activity and was not limited by previous immunity to dengue.

The study concluded that ZIKV has been intensely circulating in the Beni region and has a significant potential for propagation in the area of Santa Cruz.

Zika virus in Bolivia: historical and epidemiological context

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus of African origin, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It is related to dengue and yellow fever viruses. The first autochthonous case of Zika in Bolivia was reported in January 2016.

Historical context

The Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in a rhesus monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda, from which it derives its name. The virus was then isolated in humans in Nigeria in 1954. For several decades, Zika was believed to be responsible for a mild febrile illness in Africa and Southeast Asia. However, in recent years, Zika has been responsible for outbreaks in the Pacific Islands and Latin America, and has been associated with severe complications such as foetal abnormalities (e.g. microcephaly) and Guillain-Barré syndromes.

The first autochthonous case of Zika in Bolivia was reported in January 2016.

Epidemiological context

Zika virus circulation in Bolivia was limited to tropical areas such as Beni (39% seroprevalence) and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (21.5% seroprevalence), and was absent in highland regions such as Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija (~0% seroprevalence). The virus spread was modulated by Aedes aegypti mosquito activity and was not limited by previous immunity to dengue. Cases were geo-localised in a wide range of urban areas in Santa Cruz and Trinidad. No differences in seroprevalence related to gender or age groups could be identified.

The risk of Zika infection in Bolivia is minimal for travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) in altitude. This is because the mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at these altitudes due to environmental conditions. However, travelers to areas below this altitude should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Frequently asked questions