Zika virus (ZIKV) is mainly transmitted by Aedes aegypti worldwide. Despite mosquito endemicity, ZIKV has not been reported previously in Yemen. We screened 186 acute febrile patients using qPCR; of these, 8 (4.3%) were ZIKV-positive. This is the first record of ZIKV in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula, highlighting the need for enhanced regional surveillance. • First report of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. • ZIKV was detected in 4.3% of 186 acute febrile illness cases screened in Aden. • Co-infection with dengue virus was identified in 37.5% of ZIKV-positive patients. • The detection of cases in geographically separate districts suggests wide circulation of the virus. • Findings reveal a significant public health threat, requiring urgent surveillance and vector control in the region.
Nada et al. (Fri,) studied this question.