Zika virus infection in Asian island countries in Indian Ocean: Present situation

Zika virus is a kind of mosquito borne infection that was firstly reported in 1947 in Uganda. At present, it becomes the big global health threat[1,2]. In general, Zika virus infection manifests as an asymptomatic infection or causes mild symptoms that can be self-limited. However, the problems start where there was a big outbreak in islands in Pacific Ocean in 2013 and 2014[3,4]. Extension of disease to tropical America leads to the present concern[5] and World Health Organization (WHO) already noted for the urgent need to manage this emerging infection[6]. The serious concern is that the infection can cause fetal abnormalities if the pregnant woman gets infection[7]. Indeed, the specific situation of the infection in island countries is very interesting. The tropical Asian island countries are usually isolated lands and the tropical diseases are common but confined within the islands. However, the expansion of disease to other regions is the great concern. Here, the current situation (in 2016) of Zika virus infection in Asian island countries in Indian Ocean is summarized and presented.