Zika Virus – Travel Medicine Update

There are outbreaks of the Zika virus occurring in the Americas (particularly South America), Pacific Islands (Samoa), Africa (Cape Verde) and South East Asia (cases of Zika have been detected in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, East Malaysia and Thailand).

Women who are pregnant (in any trimester) or those who are actively seeking to get pregnant are advised to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
If you do decide to travel, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.

In recent reports, infection of pregnant women has resulted in adverse effects on the developing brain of their unborn child resulting in microcephaly, a rare condition where a baby has an abnormally small head. This is due to abnormal brain development of the baby in the womb or during infancy.
Therefore, pregnant women should avoid travel to these areas.

Women who are pregnant and have recently travelled to areas where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission and suffered an illness that you think might be Zika should see a doctor.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent against the Zika disease. However, as this infection is transmitted ONLY by mosquitos, infection can be prevented with strict mosquito precautions. These include mosquito repellant, mosquito bed nets and covering exposed skin with clothing.

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

KEY FACTS:

• Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
• People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash (exanthema) and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
• There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.
• The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.
• The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas and the Pacific.

—

KEY Messages:

• The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

There are outbreaks of the Zika virus occurring in the Americas (particularly South America), Pacific Islands (Samoa), Africa (Cape Verde) and South East Asia (cases of Zika have been detected in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, East Malaysia and Thailand).

For more information on the areas where Zika virus outbreaks are occurring visit:
https://smartraveller.gov.au/bulletins/zika_virus

Australians considering travelling to these destinations should seek expert travel advice:
Contact Melbourne Children’s Travel Clinic and our travel medicine specialists Prof Nigel Curtis and Dr Amanda Gwee

For additional information and latest updates visit:
World Health Organisation (WHO) Website – Zika Virus

—
Updated: 12/02/2016