Metagenomic investigation of febrile illness in Pakistan reveals global transmission and co-circulation of Zika and Dengue viruses

ABSTRACT

We report the first identification of Zika virus in Pakistan following genomic and serological analyses of blood samples from 20 patients with febrile illness. In November 2021, an outbreak of dengue-like illness occurred in the metropolitan city of Karachi. Viral genome capture and sequencing of seven patients revealed six cases of dengue virus serotype 2 and two Zika virus infections, including one dengue and Zika virus co-infection. The next year, following severe flooding, 13 suspected dengue patients were screened by real time qRT-PCR and serology, and 92% (12/13) had evidence of current or recent Zika virus infection. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the Zika viruses originated from Brazil. The most recent observed ancestor dates to 2016, suggesting a prior importation event and ongoing circulation. Our results suggest that Zika virus may be circulating and contributing to disease burden during seasonal Dengue outbreak.