This week the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency.
The virus, which has infected thousands of people living in key business travel destinations such as Brazil and Mexico, is spread through Aedes mosquitoes.
However, WHO found no public health justification for restrictions on travel or trade to prevent the spread of Zika. Although a number of health authorities are advising pregnant women to consider delaying travel to affected areas, and for those living there to consider delaying pregnancy until the outbreaks are contained.
Source: Pan American Health OrganisationSo, what are the key facts about the virus and what advice do you need to give your travellers?
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, Asia and the Pacific.
Symptoms
According to the US Centres for Disease Control, deaths from Zika are extremely rare and only one-in-five people infected is believed to develop symptoms, which include:
- Mild fever
- Conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes)
- Headache
- Joint pain
- A rash
The symptoms are similar to other infections such as dengue.
How is it spread
The virus is spread through Aedes mosquitoes, which are found throughout the Americas although it is too cold for them to survive in Canada and Chile.
Prevention
The WHO advises travellers take basic precautions when visiting destinations where you could be at risk from infection. This includes using insect repellent, wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets.
It also says it is important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
Treatment
The WHO said the Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. It advises people sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.
If you have Zika
If you have symptoms such as fever, a rash, joint pain or red eyes, which develop either on your trip or when you return, then you should speak to a doctor.
The US Centres for Disease Control says:
- Take medicine, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain
- Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
- Get lots of rest and drink plenty of liquids
- Prevent additional mosquito bites to avoid spreading the disease
What is the Zika virus?
Source: AJ+