Spatial, Sociodemographic, and Weather Analysis of the Zika Virus Outbreak: US Virgin Islands, January 2016-January 2018

Background: The first Zika virus outbreak in U.S. Virgin Islands identified 1031 confirmed noncongenital Zika disease (n = 967) and infection (n = 64) cases during January 2016-January 2018; most cases (89%) occurred during July-December 2016.Methods and Results: The epidemic followed a continued point-source outbreak pattern. Evaluation of sociodemographic risk factors revealed that estates with higher unemployment, more houses connected to the public water system, and more newly built houses were significantly less likely to have Zika virus disease and infection cases. Increased temperature was associated with higher case counts, which suggests a seasonal association of this outbreak.Conclusion: Vector surveillance and control measures are needed to prevent future outbreaks.

Automated summary

The first Zika virus outbreak in U.S. Virgin Islands identified over 1000 confirmed cases during January 2016-January 2018, with a majority occurring in July-December 2016. Sociodemographic factors, such as unemployment rates and housing type, played a role in the spread of the virus. Increased temperature was associated with higher case counts, indicating a seasonal association with the outbreak.