Knowledge and perceptions about Zika virus in Qatar

BACKGROUND: Zika virus, an emerging serious infectious disease, is a threat to persons living or travelling to regions where it is currently endemic, and to contacts of infected individuals. Qatar, located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian peninsula, harbors the primary vector species, Aedes aegypti for Zika virus. Additionally, Qatar Airways, the national airline has daily flights to and from countries and territories such as Sao Paulo in Brazil, Miami in Florida, and in Argentina where active transmission of Zika virus has been reported and confirmed. This may increase the likelihood of importation of Zika virus cases to the country. Successful disease prevention programs depend upon public awareness of risk factors and disease characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and perceptions about this new public health threat to persons residing in Qatar. METHODS: We conducted a self-administered survey in English at several international universities in Qatar to assess students, f...