ZIKA VIRUS

Zika virus is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes which are daytime biting. Additionally, a small number of cases of sexual transmission have also been reported. 

The disease was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys and subsequently in humans in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania in 1952. Zika virus disease is usually mild, with a fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis last between 2 and 7 days. However,  more recently,  large outbreaks in French Polynesia (2013) and in Brazil (2015) have been linked to a rise in cases of congenital malformations and neurological complications, notably microencephalopathy. 

There is currently no vaccine available so the most important protective measures are bite avoidance and control of the numbers of mosquitoes in affected regions. For anyone travelling to infected areas, stringent bite avoidance measures are required, particularly mid-morning and late afternoon to dusk, when the Aedes mosquito is most active.

Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant are advised to postpone non-essential travel to countries affected by Zika virus until after the pregnancy. If they must, or choose to travel, pregnant women and their partners should consistently use barrier methods for vaginal, anal and oral sex during and after travel. Pregnant women who have already travelled to affected areas should be assessed as soon as possible on their return. An algorithm is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/zika-virus-interim-algorithm-for-assessing-pregnant-women-with-a-history-of-travel