Europe's Disease Agency Warns Vacationers of Zika Risk

First Native Cases Confirmed, Pregnant Women Especially Vulnerable

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a warning to travelers, particularly pregnant women, about the risk of Zika infection in Europe. The warning comes after the first native cases of Zika were confirmed in the region.

Mosquito-Transmitted Cases Reported in Europe

In October 2019, the first mosquito-transmitted locally acquired cases of Zika virus were reported in Europe. The cases occurred in the Algarve region of Portugal, and the patients had not recently traveled to Zika-affected areas.

The ECDC has identified several areas in Europe where the Aedes mosquito, which transmits Zika, is present or likely to be present. These areas include parts of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, and Croatia.

Risks for Pregnant Women

Zika virus infection can cause severe birth defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, a condition characterized by an unusually small head and brain.

The ECDC recommends that pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant avoid travel to Zika-affected areas. If travel cannot be avoided, pregnant women should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets.

Symptoms and Treatment

Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. However, some people may experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. There is no specific treatment for Zika virus infection.