According to health experts, the Zika virus is expected to spread to parts of Europe later this Spring and in the summer.
Several popular holiday spots such as Spain, Italy, France, Croatia, Greece, Switzerland and Turkey have been classed as a ‘moderate’ risk. In particular, France is a concern due to the thousands of UK fans planning to travel there for the Euro 2016 football tournament, which starts on the 10th June. The virus has already affected the world of sport, after health officials were forced to consider the risk in Brazil ahead of the Olympic Games in Rio. Last week, the World Health Organisation issued their advice, urging pregnant women not to travel to the area.
According to the new World Health Organisation risk assessment, a third of the countries in Europe are at ‘moderate’ risk of a Zika outbreak. The UK is ‘low’ risk but preparation is key. UK officials need to be on alert to detect cases early and issue travel advice to people travelling to affected areas. In Europe, the WHO says that the risk is ‘low to moderate’ and is higher in areas where the Aedes mosquito, which carries the virus, is located.
If no measures are taken, the likelihood of local transmission of the Zika virus is moderate to 18 countries within Europe. The country most at risk is Madeira and the north coast of the Black Sea. 36 countries have a low/very low/ no likelihood, due to a lack of suitable climate for mosquitoes.
A spokesperson for the World Health Organisation said that they were ‘calling on’ the countries at risk to ‘strengthen national capacities’ and ‘prioritise activities’ to prevent an outbreak of the Zika virus.
According to the latest figures, 25 UK residents have been affected by the virus after travelling to areas where an outbreak had occurred. For the majority of sufferers, there are no symptoms, but for others it can cause headaches, a rash and a fever. It’s uncommon for there to be serious complications, but the virus can cause congenital abnormalities in babies who are born by women infected with the virus. It can also cause a rare disorder in newborns known as Guillain-Barre syndrome.
What is the Foreign Office’s current advice for Zika virus?
There is currently no vaccine or drug to prevent the Zika virus. As a result, travellers going to areas where the Zika virus is present should consult their GP 4-6 weeks before travel. Once in the area, take measures to avoid mosquito bites, particularly during nighttime hours when mosquitoes are more active. Always apply repellant after sunscreen.
For more information about the Zika virus, contact the Foreign Office or your local GP.
