Zika virus in Spain
Spain is a sovereign state largely located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, with archipelagos in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and several small territories on and near the north African coast. Its mainland is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small land boundary with Gibraltar; to the north and northeast by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean.
As of 15 February 2016, there are 23 cases of Zika virus in Spain, including two pregnant women. All of those have contracted the virus traveling outside Spain. No local transmission of Zika virus were reported. Eight of the cases in Spain are located in Catalonia, five in Madrid, three in Castile and León, two in Aragón, two in Asturias, one in Andalusia, one in Murcia and one in Navarra.
Spanish health officials estimate that 200-250 cases of Zika virus could be reported in Spain in 2016.
The first case of Zika virus in a pregnant women in Spain is also the first in Europe. The person has traveled to Colombia. She first showed symptoms of virus infection when she was between 13 to 14 weeks pregnant.
The second case of a pregnant woman who got Zika virus was reported on 15 February 2016. A new set of protocols were announced by the health ministry of Spain that includes conducting sonograms every two weeks on the two patients to track the development of their babies.
Efforts to tackle Zika virus
On 15 February 2016, the Spanish health ministry announced new protocols to tackle Zika virus that includes conducting sonograms on the two pregnant women infected in the country, every two weeks.
The Spanish health officials warned pregnant women not to travel to destinations where Zika virus is active.
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