title: Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of Laboratory-Confirmed Autochthonous Cases of Zika Virus Disease in Mexico.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since 2014, autochthonous circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was detected (Easter Island, Chile). In May 2015, Brazil confirmed autochthonous --transmission and in October of that year Colombia reported their first  cases. Now more than 52 countries have reported cases, including Mexico. To deal with this contingency in Mexico, several surveillance systems, in addition to systems for vector-borne diseases were strengthened with the participation of all health institutions. Also, the Ministry of Health defined an Action Plan against ZIKV for the whole country.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed 93 autochthonous cases of ZIKV disease identified by Epidemiological Surveillance System for Zika Virus in Mexico. All autochthonous cases confirmed by laboratory since November 25, 2015 to February 19, 2016 were included. A description of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 93 cases of ZIKV disease are presenting and, we describe the Action Plan against this public health emergency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The distribution of cases by sex was 61 men and 32 women; mean age was 35 years old (S.D. 15, range 6-90). The main clinical features in the 93 cases were fever (96.6%), rash (93.3%), non-purulent conjunctivitis (88.8%), headache (85.4%), and myalgia (84.3%). No deaths were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ZIKV epidemic poses new challenges to public health systems. The information provided for basic, clinical, and epidemiological research, in addition to the data derived from epidemiological surveillance is essential. However, there are still many unanswered questions regarding mechanisms of transmission, complications, and impact of this virus.
authors.affiliation: General Directorate of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Maria Eugenia
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Jimenez Corona
authors.affiliation: Dirección General Adjunta de Epidemiología, Dirección General de Epidemiología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Ana Lucía
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: De la Garza Barroso
authors.affiliation: Dirección de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Transmisibles, Dirección General de Epidemiología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Jose Cruz
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Rodriguez Martínez
authors.affiliation: Dirección General de Epidemiología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Norma Irene
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Luna Guzmán
authors.affiliation: Dirección General de Epidemiología, Secretaría de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Cuitláhuac
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ruiz Matus
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico; Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos (InDRE) "Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez", Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: José Alberto
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Díaz Quiñonez
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos (InDRE) "Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez", Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Irma
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lopez Martinez
authors.affiliation: Subsecretaría de Prevención y Promoción de la Salud, Secretaria de Salud, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Pablo A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kuri Morales
keywords: Epidemiology; Surveillance; Zika; arbovirus