Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
Main conclusions
A Zika virus outbreak in the Americas and the South Pacific is evolving rapidly, and its spread is likely to continue as the vector species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are widely distributed there. While a significant increase in the number of newborns presenting with a low head circumference seems established in the northeastern states of Brazil, the magnitude of the increase cannot be precisely estimated. Similarly, a link with Zika virus infection cannot be confirmed until the ongoing investigations are completed. In the light of the current disease trend ? and the possible association with severe complications ? public health authorities in EU/EEA Member States should consider the following mitigation options:
Enhance vigilance towards the detection of imported cases of Zika virus infection in EU Member States, EU Overseas Countries and Territories, and EU Outermost Regions, in particular where vectors or potential vectors are present, in order to reduce the risk of autochthonous transmission.
Strengthen laboratory capacity to confirm suspected Zika virus infections in the European region in order to differentiate Zika virus infections from other arboviral infections (e.g. dengue, chikungunya).
Blood safety authorities should consider the deferral of donors with a relevant travel history to areas with active Zika virus transmission, in line with measures defined for dengue virus.
Increase awareness of clinicians and travel health clinics about the evolution of the Zika virus outbreak and the endemic areas so that they can include Zika virus infection in their differential diagnosis for travellers from those areas. Fever and/or macular or papular rash not attributable to dengue or chikungunya infection among travellers returning from areas currently experiencing a Zika virus outbreak should be considered indications for further investigation of Zika virus infection.
Advise residents and travellers visiting affected areas, particularly pregnant women, to take individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites all day round as Zika virus disease, chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by a daytime-biting mosquito. Consequently, protective measures should be taken, especially during the day.
Ensure that Zika virus-infected patients in areas with Aedes mosquitoes avoid getting bitten during the first week of illness (mosquito net, screened doors and windows as recommended by WHO/PAHO).
Increase awareness among health professionals who provide prenatal care of the possible association of Zika virus and microcephaly and adapt prenatal monitoring in accordance with the level of exposure to the vector.
A lot of information on the current situation in the full document.
LINK TO DOCUMENT - PDF
A Zika virus outbreak in the Americas and the South Pacific is evolving rapidly, and its spread is likely to continue as the vector species Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are widely distributed there. While a significant increase in the number of newborns presenting with a low head circumference seems established in the northeastern states of Brazil, the magnitude of the increase cannot be precisely estimated. Similarly, a link with Zika virus infection cannot be confirmed until the ongoing investigations are completed. In the light of the current disease trend ? and the possible association with severe complications ? public health authorities in EU/EEA Member States should consider the following mitigation options:
Enhance vigilance towards the detection of imported cases of Zika virus infection in EU Member States, EU Overseas Countries and Territories, and EU Outermost Regions, in particular where vectors or potential vectors are present, in order to reduce the risk of autochthonous transmission.
Strengthen laboratory capacity to confirm suspected Zika virus infections in the European region in order to differentiate Zika virus infections from other arboviral infections (e.g. dengue, chikungunya).
Blood safety authorities should consider the deferral of donors with a relevant travel history to areas with active Zika virus transmission, in line with measures defined for dengue virus.
Increase awareness of clinicians and travel health clinics about the evolution of the Zika virus outbreak and the endemic areas so that they can include Zika virus infection in their differential diagnosis for travellers from those areas. Fever and/or macular or papular rash not attributable to dengue or chikungunya infection among travellers returning from areas currently experiencing a Zika virus outbreak should be considered indications for further investigation of Zika virus infection.
Advise residents and travellers visiting affected areas, particularly pregnant women, to take individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites all day round as Zika virus disease, chikungunya and dengue are transmitted by a daytime-biting mosquito. Consequently, protective measures should be taken, especially during the day.
Ensure that Zika virus-infected patients in areas with Aedes mosquitoes avoid getting bitten during the first week of illness (mosquito net, screened doors and windows as recommended by WHO/PAHO).
Increase awareness among health professionals who provide prenatal care of the possible association of Zika virus and microcephaly and adapt prenatal monitoring in accordance with the level of exposure to the vector.
A lot of information on the current situation in the full document.
LINK TO DOCUMENT - PDF