The health authorities have warned travellers, particularly pregnant women, to take special precautions if they plan to travel to the countries in the Americas affected by the Zika virus epidemic. If possible, pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant should consider postponing their travel to affected areas.

The Zika virus is an infection which is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes but also Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. It causes deformities in babies. In a number of the affected countries, women have been urged to avoid getting pregnant.

The Aedes albopictus mosquito species is also established in many parts of the EU, primarily around the Mediterranean however the risk of transmission of the Zika virus infection is extremely low in the winter season as the climatic conditions are not suitable for the activity of this mosquito.

The virus is not transmitted directly from one person to another.

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache with symptoms lasting from few days to a week.  

Countries affected with the virus so far are El Salvador, Venezuela, Colombia and Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Martinique while Bolivia, Guyana, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Saint Martin and Haiti have only reported sporadic transmission.

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 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.