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Pregnant women told to delay Florida travel over Zika virus fears Pregnant women told to delay Florida travel over Zika virus fears
(about 1 hour later)
Pregnant women are being advised to postpone non-essential trips to Florida because of the Zika virus. Pregnant women should avoid all non-essential trips to Florida because of the potential to contract the Zika virus, UK officials have said, as thousands of Britons are expected to visit the popular tourist destination.
Public Health England updated its travel advice after the first cases of Zika transmitted by mosquitoes on the US mainland appeared in the state. Public Health England updated its travel advice after the first cases of Zika transmitted by mosquitoes on the US mainland appeared in the state. PHE has said the risk in the southern US state was moderate, while in many countries in South America, including Olympics host Brazil, it was high.
PHE has said the risk in the southern US state was moderate, while in many countries in South America, including Olympics host Brazil, it is high. A total of 53 people have been treated in the UK for the Zika virus, which is predominantly transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The Zika virus has been associated with a birth defect called microcephaly, which results in children being born with abnormally small heads and brain damage. The virus has caused Guillain-Barré syndrome in a small number of people in Latin America, which can be triggered by viral attacks on the immune system and results in muscle weakness. But the biggest concern is the link between Zika infection in pregnant women and brain damage in their babies, one of which is microcephaly – which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and other severe brain defects.
More than 1,650 Zika infections have been reported in the US, but four patients in Florida who tested positive for the virus appear to be the first not linked to travel outside the US mainland. Fourteen countries have reported microcephaly cases, and the first baby born in Europe with microcephaly was reported in Spain this week. The mother had contracted both dengue fever and the Zika virus while travelling in Latin America.
A total of 53 people have been treated in the UK for the infection. In the US, more than 1,650 Zika infections have been reported, but on Friday the governor of Florida said four people in the southern part of the state were likely to have contracted the Zika virus through bites from local mosquitoes rather than travel abroad.
The updated travel advice reads: “The risk in Florida is considered moderate based on the number and spread of cases and their demonstrated ability to implement effective control measures for similar diseases such as dengue – a virus transmitted by the same mosquito. “This morning we learned that four people in our state likely have the Zika virus as a result of a mosquito bite,” Rick Scott said. “This means Florida has become the first state in our nation to have local transmission. Florida is taking an aggressive approach. We have worked hard to stay ahead of the spread of Zika and prepare for the worst.”
While the cases were not confirmed, as no insect trapped for testing has yet been proved to be carrying the disease, a statement from the Florida department of health said: “The department believes these [four] cases were likely transmitted through infected mosquitoes in this area.”
The updated travel advice from PHE, which comes as many Brits are expected to visit Florida’s theme parks this summer, reads: “The risk in Florida is considered moderate based on the number and spread of cases and their demonstrated ability to implement effective control measures for similar diseases such as dengue – a virus transmitted by the same mosquito.
“Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to affected areas until after the pregnancy.“Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to affected areas until after the pregnancy.
“At present, only a zone of about one square mile in Miami-Dade County is considered at risk of active transmission.”“At present, only a zone of about one square mile in Miami-Dade County is considered at risk of active transmission.”
The World Health Organisation and PHE are also warning athletes taking part in the Brazil Olympics or people planning to go to Rio to protect themselves against bites while there and take precautions when they return.
While the Aedes aegypti mosquito cannot live in the cooler climate of the UK, there is a very small risk of infection through sex. PHE says men and women should use condoms for eight weeks after returning from a Zika virus area and for six months if they experience any symptoms themselves.
Prof Paul Cosford, medical director of PHE, said in a statement on Friday: “We expect to see small numbers of Zika virus infections in travellers returning to the UK, but the risk to the wider population is very low as the mosquito that spreads the Zika virus is not found in the UK. As of 27 July 2016, over 50 cases have been diagnosed in UK travellers since January 2016. Public Health England is monitoring the international situation closely and the risk to the UK remains unchanged.
“If you have recently returned from an area where Zika virus transmissions are currently reported and have a fever or flu-like illness, seek medical attention without delay to exclude malaria and mention your recent travel.”
The updated advice comes amid reports that the UK might no longer deport pregnant women who do not have the right to stay in Britain if their home country has the Zika virus.
The Telegraph reported how one pregnant woman, 22-year-old Daisy Santiago, successfully appealed for her UK visa to be extended after arguing her baby could contract the Zika virus if she were forced to return home to São Paulo, Brazil, before the birth.