Zika virus has rapidly spread through the World Health Organization's Region of 
the Americas since being identified in Brazil in early 2015. Transmitted 
primarily through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes, Zika virus 
infection during pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion and birth defects, 
including microcephaly (1,2). New York City (NYC) is home to a large number of 
persons who travel frequently to areas with active Zika virus transmission, 
including immigrants from these areas. In November 2015, the NYC Department of 
Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) began developing and implementing plans for 
managing Zika virus and on February 1, 2016, activated its Incident Command 
System. During January 1-June 17, 2016, DOHMH coordinated diagnostic laboratory 
testing for 3,605 persons with travel-associated exposure, 182 (5.0%) of whom 
had confirmed Zika virus infection. Twenty (11.0%) confirmed patients were 
pregnant at the time of diagnosis. In addition, two cases of Zika 
virus-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome were diagnosed. DOHMH's response has 
focused on 1) identifying and diagnosing suspected cases; 2) educating the 
public and medical providers about Zika virus risks, transmission, and 
prevention strategies, particularly in areas with large populations of 
immigrants from areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission; 3) monitoring 
pregnant women with Zika virus infection and their fetuses and infants; 4) 
detecting local mosquito-borne transmission through both human and mosquito 
surveillance; and 5) modifying existing Culex mosquito control measures by 
targeting Aedes species of mosquitoes through the use of larvicides and 
adulticides.