Zika: Wisconsin Data

Zika virus was introduced to the Americas in late 2015 and spread rapidly throughout South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. This resulted in a widespread Zika virus outbreak in the Americas in 2015 and 2016. The prevalence of Zika virus in these locations, however, decreased in 2017. Predictably, travel-associated Zika virus infections in Wisconsin residents peaked in 2016 with significantly fewer cases being reported in 2017. There were no reported confirmed Zika virus cases in Wisconsin residents in 2018.

There have been no reported confirmed Zika virus cases in Wisconsin residents since the summer of 2017. Among confirmed Zika virus cases in Wisconsin during the 2016-2017 outbreak, 50% occurred during July and August. Many Caribbean, Central American, and South American countries experience high levels of mosquito activity throughout these months and were reporting ongoing local Zika transmission during this time period in 2016-2017. Summer in Wisconsin is also a popular time for travel with most schools and universities not in session, and many honeymoon trips following the summer wedding season.

Note: People who had a confirmed Zika virus infection but did not have symptoms are not included in this graph, which only shows patients with symptoms.

There have been no reported confirmed cases of Zika virus in Wisconsin residents since 2017. During the 2016-2017 outbreak, Wisconsin approved the testing of 2,010 individuals of whom 1795 (89%) were female and 221 (11%) were male. Of the people tested for Zika virus in Wisconsin in 2016-2017, 75% were pregnant women. Of the 72 total Zika cases confirmed in 2016-2017, 48 (67%) were female and 24 (33%) were male.

The distribution of Zika infections in Wisconsin in 2016-2017 is skewed toward females—67% of cases. This pattern is likely a reflection of the larger number of females tested due to a focus on testing pregnant women. Additionally, when symptoms are present, Zika virus infections often cause only a mild illness. As males would not have pregnancy-related concerns, they may not seek testing at the same rate as females.

There have been no reported confirmed cases of Zika virus in Wisconsin residents since 2017. During the 2016-2017 outbreak, 57% of all Wisconsin cases were confirmed among people ages 15-34. However, people of all ages can become infected with Zika virus. The age distribution of Wisconsin Zika cases likely reflects the demographics of the population tested for Zika virus. Since Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, proper diagnosis of Zika virus among residents who are currently pregnant or who are of childbearing age is a priority.

Based on reported exposures, Wisconsin travelers presumably acquired Zika virus from 18 different countries outside of the United States and one additional traveler from Miami, Florida. A majority of these Zika virus infections were acquired through the bite of an infected mosquito while traveling. Patients, however, may also be infected through sexual transmission, or in utero from a maternal infection during pregnancy. Some of the Zika virus cases reported both travel to a Zika-affected area and sexual contact with a traveler to a Zika-affected area within a similar time period, and thus, the mode of transmission cannot be definitively determined.

The specific locations where Wisconsin residents acquired the infection can vary by the level of Zika virus activity in that location at the time of travel, but can also reflect travel patterns among Wisconsin residents.