Zika epidemiology update - May 2026
Overview
World Health Organization compiles periodic summaries of the global epidemiology of Zika virus transmission based on a review of global surveillance data and scientific publications to provide a comprehensive overview of Zika virus transmission and congenital Zika syndrome worldwide. This update follows previous iterations, focusing on documentation of transmission published in 2024 and 2025, to inform public health authorities, epidemiologists, clinicians, travel medicine providers and other stakeholders engaged in Zika-related work. Ten years after being declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Zika continues to be reported from countries in several WHO regions, albeit at much lower incidence rates. There is now evidence of current or previous autochthonous Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission in 97 countries and territories globally. The map of countries with Zika transmission and list of countries with Zika and vectors has been updated to reflect data as of December 2025. Findings underscore the importance of sustained vigilance to ensure integrated country preparedness for early detection and response, monitoring risk, vector control and the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.