CHP closely monitors latest WHO Zika update
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According to the WHO, Antigua and Barbuda as well as Turks and Caicos Islands recently reported mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission. To date, 67 countries/areas have documented mosquito-borne transmission since 2007 while 11 have reported evidence of person-to-person transmission probably by sexual contact. The public may visit the CHP's website for more details about affected areas.
"We noted the updated recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States that pregnant women and partners returning from affected areas, regardless of sex, should abstain from sex or else condoms should be used. We draw the public's attention to our revised health advice accordingly," a spokesman for the CHP said.
Based on research to date, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
"We are maintaining close liaison with the WHO as well as overseas, neighbouring and Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest developments," the spokesman said.
The public should pay special attention to affected areas and observe the health advice and special notes below during travel.
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 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 at least 21 days upon arrival. If feeling unwell, such as having a fever, seek medical advice as soon as possible, and provide travel details to the doctor;
- Travellers should consider not having sex during travel to affected areas, or else condoms should be used;
- Travellers returning from affected areas should consider abstinence for at least two months upon return, or else condoms should be used. If diagnosed with Zika Virus Infection or having compatible symptoms, they should consider abstinence for at least six months upon onset, or else condoms should be used;
B. Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy
- Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy should not travel 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 if they have no symptoms of Zika Virus Infection, or six months if one or both members of the couple are symptomatic;
C. Special notes for prevention of sexual transmission regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes
- Pregnant women should not have sex with partners who have travelled to affected areas, or else condoms should be used;
- Travellers returning from affected areas should:
- Abstain from sex with pregnant partners, or else use condoms throughout the pregnancy; and
- Use condoms for at least six months if female partners may get pregnant.
The public may visit the following pages for more disease information and health advice: the Zika page of the CHP and the DH's Travel Health Service, the Outbound Travel Alert of the Security Bureau, anti-mosquito precautions for women, and the WHO Zika virus situation reports.
Ends/Friday, July 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 13:15
Issued at HKT 13:15
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