An autochthonous case of Zika due to possible sexual transmission, Florence, Italy, 2014

Euro Surveill. 2016;21(8):30148. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2016.21.8.30148.

Abstract

We report a case of Zika virus infection imported in Florence, Italy ex-Thailand, leading to a secondary autochthonous case, probably through sexual transmission. The two cases occurred in May 2014 but were retrospectively diagnosed in 2016 on the basis of serological tests (plaque reduction neutralisation) performed on stored serum samples. Our report provides further evidence that sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible.

Keywords: Europe; Italy; Zika virus; autochthonous; semen; sexual transmission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Coitus*
  • Exanthema / virology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italien
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Serologic Tests
  • Thailand
  • Travel*
  • Zika Virus / isolation & purification*
  • Zika Virus Infection / diagnosis*
  • Zika Virus Infection / transmission*
  • Zika Virus Infection / virology

Substances

  • RNA, Viral