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Zika Virus: A Public Health EmergencyA Zika virus outbreak is spreading across several countries in South and Central America, as well as in the French overseas departments (Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana). This outbreak began in Brazil in May 2015. This list, which continues to grow, is updated weekly on the websites of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).The Zika virus has been known since the 1950s to cause mild infections, characterized by a maculopapular rash, often accompanied by conjunctival hyperemia as well as joint and muscle pain, with little or no fever (80% of infections are asymptomatic) and a spontaneously favorable course. However, two types of severe complications have been described, most likely linked to the infection. These include neurological disorders, particularly Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), as well as microcephaly and intrauterine cerebral developmental abnormalities (see PE of 12/17/15).In mainland France, the Aedes albopictus mosquito (vector of chikungunya, dengue, and potentially Zika) is currently established in 30 departments (map available on the InVS website). During the mosquito’s active season (May to November), there is a risk of local transmission in these departments. Outside this period of activity, the risk of transmission is virtually zero. As early as the summer of 2015, following the reporting of cases in Brazil, the HCSP developed recommendations for the surveillance and management of individuals infected with the Zika virus. These recommendations were updated in an advisory issued on January 20, 2016.Given the risk of neurological complications and consequences for fetuses and newborns, surveillance of Zika cases will be implemented very soon in all departments of mainland France. This surveillance will aim in particular to identify and document cases of infected pregnant women and severe cases (hospitalized cases).