Surveillance of Zika virus

On this page

• How many cases are there of Zika virus in Canada?
• How many cases are there of Zika virus around the world?
• How does Canada monitor Zika virus?
• For more information

How many cases are there of Zika virus in Canada?

As of June 23, 2016, 126 travel-related cases and 1 locally acquired case through sexual transmission have been reported in Canada. There's ongoing low risk to Canadians travelling to countries with reported locally acquired Zika virus.

The case counts will be updated on Thursdays. The next update will be made on Thursday, June 30, 2016.

How many cases are there of Zika virus around the world?

The virus was first identified in humans in the 1950s. From 1951 through 1981, evidence of human Zika virus infection was reported from African countries and in parts of Asia.

In 2007, the first major outbreak of Zika virus occurred in Micronesia (Yap island) in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. This was the first time that Zika virus was detected outside of Africa and Asia.

Between 2013 and 2015, several significant outbreaks were noted on islands and archipelagos from the Pacific region. This included a large outbreak in French Polynesia.

In early 2015, Zika virus emerged in South America with widespread outbreaks reported in Brazil and Colombia.

To date, 6 countries, territories and areas have reported cases of microcephaly and/or central nervous system malformation potentially associated with Zika virus infection. Monitoring of pregnant women in other countries experiencing Zika virus outbreaks is ongoing.

Countries with reported locally acquired Zika virus infection

This list includes all 52 countries with reported cases of locally acquired mosquito-associated Zika virus since 2015. It will be reviewed and updated as necessary.

How was this list developed?

This information was developed by reviewing current country lists from the World Health Organization and its affiliated regional offices.

Since the recent introduction of the Zika virus to the Americas, the virus has spread to a number of regions.

Current evidence suggests that Zika virus is likely to persist in:

• the Americas
• the South and Western Pacific
• some African and Asian countries

How does Canada monitor Zika virus?

The National Microbiology Laboratory is able to detect the virus and offers testing support to provinces and territories.

As part of their West Nile virus surveillance programs, several provinces and territories conduct mosquito surveillance activities.

In the future, consideration could be given to enhancing mosquito surveillance to detect an incursion of new mosquito species into Canada. This would include those species responsible for Zika virus transmission.