The Maltese health authorities are setting up a working group to monitor and advise about Zika virus precautions in Malta.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the virus  as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The risk for Malta is considered to be low, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate said. 

"Actions taken are in line with those recommended by the WHO and include; ongoing monitoring of the international situation, travel advice for people who plan to travel to affected areas and for those returning (potential risks and appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to mosquito bites), information for the general public, information to health professionals and availability of diagnostic facilities at Mater Dei laboratories."

It said that a working group is being set up between the health authorities and the University of Malta to advise on vector control measures.

The Zika virus is an infection which is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes but also Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti is not established in the EU however the Aedes albopictus mosquito species is established in many parts of the EU, primarily around the Mediterranean.

In 2015 and 2016, several travel-related imported cases were reported in EU countries in persons who travelled to affected countries but there was no autochthonous Zika virus transmission reported in the EU and the risk of spread in EU, including Malta is low, the directorate said.

Spread of the virus through sexual contact has been reported however Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. 

People who plan to travel to affected areas outlined above were advised to:

· Take individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites.

· Travellers that have immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses should consult their doctor before travelling.

· Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant, and who plan to travel to the areas experiencing transmission of Zika virus, should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare providers and consider postponing their travel to affected areas, especially to areas with increasing or widespread transmission.

· Individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites should be applied all day long, especially during mid-morning and late afternoon to dusk, which are the periods of highest mosquito activity.

· Travellers showing symptoms compatible with dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus disease within three weeks after returning from an affected area should contact their healthcare provider.

· Pregnant women who have travelled to areas with Zika virus transmission should mention their travel during antenatal visits in order to be assessed and monitored appropriately.

· Personal protection measures to avoid mosquito bites should include:
− Using mosquito repellents in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label. DEET based repellent use is not recommended in children under three months of age.
− Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity.
− Using mosquito nets, whether they are impregnated or not, is essential if accommodation is not adequately screened or air-conditioned.