Understanding the Risks and Prevention of Zika Virus for UK Travellers

What is Zika Virus?

The Zika virus is mainly spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also spreads dengue and chikungunya viruses. It was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and has caused outbreaks in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and more recently, the Americas.

Risks Associated with Zika Virus

While Zika virus infection often leads to mild symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, it can also have serious complications:

• Pregnancy Complications: Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects, including microcephaly, a condition where a baby is born with a significantly smaller head and brain.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: There’s evidence linking Zika virus infection to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can lead to muscle weakness and paralysis.
• Sexual Transmission: Zika can be transmitted sexually, complicating efforts to control its spread as it can be transmitted from an infected person to their partner.

How to Prevent Zika Virus.

There is no vaccine to prevent the Zika virus hence prevention is key.

• Check Travel Advisories: Before planning your trip, consult travel health advisories from reliable sources such as the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These advisories provide up-to-date information on Zika virus transmission in various regions.
• Avoid Mosquito Bites: Since Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, taking steps to prevent mosquito bites is essential:
• Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, to exposed skin. Follow the product instructions for proper application.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and hats to minimise skin exposure. Consider clothing treated with permethrin for added protection.
• Stay in Air-Conditioned or Screened Accommodations: Mosquitoes that transmit Zika are most active during the day. Staying in places with air conditioning or intact window and door screens can reduce the risk of bites.
• Sleep Under Mosquito Nets: In areas where Zika is prevalent, use mosquito nets, especially if sleeping outdoors or in rooms that are not well-screened.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest news and guidelines regarding the Zika virus. Health organisations frequently update their recommendations based on new research and outbreak data.

Zika Virus and Pregnancy

It’s important for pregnant individuals to be cautious when travelling to areas with Zika outbreaks. It’s a good idea to speak with a travel health specialist before going to places with a history of Zika transmission. When making travel decisions, it’s important to consider the destination, the purpose of the trip, and how to prevent mosquito bites. Also, if used as directed, there are no restrictions on using insect repellents for pregnant individuals.

If you or your partner travel to an area with current or past spread of the Zika virus, it’s recommended to use condoms or abstain from sex for the entire pregnancy, even if you don’t have symptoms of Zika or feel sick. For couples trying to conceive, taking a trip to areas with past or current Zika virus transmission requires taking steps to protect yourselves and considering waiting to get pregnant for 3 months after returning home from your trip.

Conclusion

Although the Zika virus can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, there are effective ways for UK travellers to protect themselves. By staying informed, avoiding mosquito bites, and practising safe sex, travellers can greatly lower their risk of infection. It’s important to seek advice from healthcare professionals that is tailored to your specific travel plans and health conditions. Safe travels!

Further Resources

Zika virus – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Zika Travel Information | Travelers’ Health | CDC