Summary
In 16 months over 35,400 cases of Zika virus infection have been confirmed in Puerto Rico. This represents 85% of all cases reported on the United States of America and its territories. Zika epidemic is exposing the profound failure of socioeconomic policies, as well as of the protection of sexual and reproductive health rights in Puerto Rico. Considering high poverty rates, high levels of sexuality-related stigma, poor quality sex education, limited access to contraception, and limited participation in the allocation of resources for prevention; it is unreasonable to focus public health efforts to prevent Zika virus infection to vector control. The allocation and equitable management of resources for research and intervention are required in order to understand and address barriers and facilitators for prevention at the individual, social, and structural levels. Further, the impact of efforts to tackle the social determinants of Zika virus epidemic in the island should be assessed.