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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (May 13) closely monitoring the latest Zika virus update of the World Health Organization (WHO), and again urged the public to adopt strict anti-mosquito measures and safe sex during travel. Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should consider deferring their trip to affected areas.
According to the WHO, Grenada recently reported mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission. To date, 58 countries/areas have documented ongoing mosquito-borne transmission since 2007 while nine have reported evidence of person-to-person transmission probably by sexual contact (see attachment). Based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
"We noted the latest risk assessment of the WHO that Zika virus continues to spread geographically to areas where competent vectors are present. Although a decline in cases has been reported in some countries/areas, high vigilance should be remained. At this stage, based on evidence available, an overall decline in the outbreak is yet to be concluded," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"WHO also recognised that athletes and visitors are seeking more information on the risks of Zika and ways to prevent infection while attending the Olympic and Paralympic Games Rio 2016 (August 5 to September 18)," he added.
Apart from anti-mosquito measures and safer sex, the WHO encouraged athletes and visitors to avoid visiting impoverished and over-crowded areas in cities and towns with no piped water and poor sanitation (ideal breeding grounds of mosquitoes) where the risk of being bitten is higher, while pregnant women continue to be advised not to travel to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission, which includes Rio de Janeiro.
"The public should pay special attention to affected areas and observe the health advice and special notes below during travel," the spokesman said.
The DH has been maintaining close liaison with the WHO as well as overseas, neighbouring and Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest Zika developments.
Locally, no human Zika cases have been reported to the CHP to date.
To prevent Zika Virus Infection, in addition to general anti-mosquito measures, the DH draws the public's attention to the special notes below:
A. Travelling abroad
* If going to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission (affected areas), travellers, especially those with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should arrange a consultation with a doctor at least six weeks before the trip, and take extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites;
* Those arriving from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival. If feeling unwell, e.g. having fever, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible, and provide travel details to a doctor;
* Travellers should consider not having sex during travel to affected areas, or else condoms should be used;
* Male travellers returning from affected areas:
(i) Diagnosed with Zika or with compatible symptoms should not have sex for at least six months upon onset, or else the use of condoms should be considered;
(ii) Without compatible symptoms should not have sex for at least two months upon return, or else the use of condoms should be considered;
B. Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy
* Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy should consider deferring their trip to affected areas. Those who must travel should seek medical advice from their doctor before the trip, adopt contraception if appropriate, strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip, and consult and reveal their travel history to their doctor if symptoms develop after the trip. Women preparing for pregnancy are advised to continue to adopt contraception for at least two months after returning from affected areas;
C. Special notes for prevention of sexual transmission regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes
* Pregnant women should not have sex with male partners who have travelled to affected areas, or else condoms should be used throughout the pregnancy;
* Any male traveller returning from affected areas should:
(i) Abstain from sex with his pregnant partner, or else use condoms throughout the pregnancy; and
(ii) Use a condom for at least six months if his female partner may get pregnant.
The public may visit the pages below for more disease information and health advice:
* The CHP's Zika page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/43086.html);
* The Zika page of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_zika.html);
* The Outbound Travel Alert page of the Security Bureau (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota);
* Anti-mosquito precautions for women (www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/woman/30014.html); and
* The WHO Zika virus situation reports (www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/en).
Ends/Friday, May 13, 2016
Issued at HKT 16:55
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