Click here for an update issued by the HPSC on 9 November 2016
Click here for 'Zika virus infection and pregnancy - Interim clinical guidance for healthcare professionals', issued by the HPSC on 30 May 2016.
Statement issued on 25 May 2016:
On 23 May, Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, signed the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2016. The regulations make Zika virus disease a notifiable disease in Ireland and require the statutory notification of cases of the disease.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has issued the following update:
Main conclusions and response options
Considering the continued spread of Zika virus in the Americas and Caribbean, the evidence of an association between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and congenital CNS malformations, the association between Zika virus infection and Guillain–Barré syndrome and the risk of local vector-borne transmission in Europe during the 2016 summer season, EU/EEA member states are advised to consider a range of mitigation measures. The following uncertainties have been taken into consideration in developing the proposed options for response:
- There is growing evidence that Zika virus infection during the first and second trimester is associated with increased risk for central nervous system malformation of the foetus. The risk associated with infection during the third trimester is unknown. Therefore, Zika virus infection during the entire duration of pregnancy should be considered a risk.
- The presence of viable Zika virus in semen has been detected up to 24 days after the onset of symptoms of Zika virus infection. The longest interval reported between the onset of symptoms in a male and the subsequent onset of the disease thought to be due to sexual transmission in a female partner is 19 days.
- All the currently reported sexual transmission events are linked to symptomatic index cases. There is no evidence of transmission by asymptomatic sexual partners.
Information for travellers to and EU citizens residing in areas with active transmission
- Travellers visiting countries where there is active transmission of Zika virus and EU citizens residing in these countries:
Should be made aware of the ongoing outbreak of Zika virus infection and that Zika virus is usually transmitted by mosquito vectors but can be also transmitted by sexual intercourse.
Should take measures to prevent mosquito bites indoors and outdoors, especially from sunrise to sunset when Aedes mosquito vectors are most active in biting. These measures include:
- The use of mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during the hours when the type of mosquito that is known to transmit the Zika virus (Aedes) is most active
- Sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms, otherwise using mosquito nets, at night and during the day
- Pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant and planning to travel to areas with widespread transmission should postpone non-essential travel.
- Pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant and planning to travel to areas with sporadic transmission should consult their physician or a travel clinic and consider postponing non essential travel.
- Pregnant women residing in countries with active transmission (sporadic and widespread) should consult their healthcare providers for advice and follow strict measures to prevent mosquito bites.
- Travellers with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses should consult their doctor or seek advice from a travel clinic before travelling to countries with active transmission, particularly on effective prevention measures.
- Travellers to countries with active Zika transmission and EU citizens residing there should be advised that using condoms could reduce the risk of sexual transmission through semen.
Information for travellers returning from areas with active transmission of Zika virus
- Pregnant women who have travelled or resided in areas with active transmission should mention their travel during antenatal visits in order to be assessed and monitored appropriately.
- In order to protect the foetus, male travellers returning from areas with active transmission should consider using a condom with a pregnant partner until the end of pregnancy.
- Travellers returning from areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission should be advised to practise safer sex for at least one month after returning, in order to reduce the potential risk of onward sexual transmission.
- Travellers, including those with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, showing symptoms compatible with Zika virus disease within two weeks of return from an area with active transmission are advised to contact their healthcare provider and mention their recent travel.
Further information on Zika virus is available here on the HPSC website.
Click here for further information on the latest affected areas.
Click here for 'Rapid Risk Assessment - Zika virus disease epidemic' published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on 20 May 2016.
The ICGP will continue to update GPs and patients as evidence and regulations dictate.
Dr Brian Osborne, Assistant Director, Postgraduate Resource Centre, ICGP