Maltese health authorities have issued a set of guidelines for anyone visiting areas affected by the Zika virus, which has been declared an international concern by the WHO.
Although the risk for Malta itself remains low, the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate advised travellers to take individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites while in affected areas. These measures should be applied throughout the day, especially during mid-morning and late afternoon to dusk, which are the periods of highest mosquito activity.
Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant 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.
The risk for Malta itself remains low
Travellers with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses should also consult their doctor before travelling.
Anyone showing symptoms compatible with dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus disease within three weeks of returning from an affected area should contact their healthcare provider.
The Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes but also Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti is not established in the EU but the Aedes albopictus mosquito species is found in many parts of Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean.
The areas affected by Zika are mostly in South and Central America, as well as Thailand, Fiji and the Maldives, among others.
Several travel-related cases have been reported in EU countries in persons who travelled to affected countries but there has been no autochthonous (arising in that country) Zika virus transmission reported in the EU and the risk of spread, including Malta, is low.
Spread of the virus through sexual contact has been reported. However, the virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus.
Spain yesterday confirmed that a pregnant woman was diagnosed with the Zika virus – the first such case in Europe. The Spanish Health Ministry said she recently returned from Colombia, where it is believed she was infected.