Little-Known Virus Challenges a Far-Flung Health System (Published 2007)

A little-known virus is causing a big fuss in Micronesia, the Pacific island nation partly managed by the United States.

The Zika virus, spread by mosquitoes, produces an itchy rash, pinkeye, joint pain and fever. Since its discovery 60 years ago in an ill monkey in the Zika forest in Uganda, it has caused rare cases and outbreaks in Africa and Southeast Asia. There is no specific treatment or vaccine.

Now Zika has made its first appearance in Micronesia, on the island of Yap, where health officials say there have been at least 42 confirmed cases and 65 probable ones. Additional cases may be occurring on other islands.

While Zika does not seem to be fatal, it is posing unusual challenges to the public health system, not just in this remote chain of islands, about 600 miles east of the Philippines, but also in the United States.

The virus can be misleading, giving false positive results on screening tests; also, studies are needed to gain insights into how infectious agents move unexpectedly in new areas and to be sure that Zika does not lead to long-term complications.

Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the Pasteur Institute and the World Health Organization have joined Yap doctors in investigating the outbreak and trying to prevent further spread.