Virologist Dr Jeremy Rossman has warned pregnant women going on holiday to southern Europe to ensure they take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Dr Rossman, of the School of Biosciences, says that, although not currently found in Europe, there is the potential for the introduction of Zika virus and its limited spread in these areas.
He commented: ‘On Wednesday the World Health Organization declared that there is the potential for Zika virus to spread into Europe this summer. Zika virus is not a new pathogen; however, the recent outbreak in Brazil has been accompanied by a significant increase in birth defects, specifically babies born with microcephaly or small head size. There is now strong evidence to support the link between Zika virus infection in pregnant mothers and microcephaly.
‘Zika virus is spread through the bite of a specific type of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. This mosquito does not live in Europe, though a related mosquito, Aedes albopictus, does. Recent studies have shown that Aedes albopictus can carry the virus, though it is thought that it is not as effective at transmitting the virus to people. Aedes albopictus is currently found in many countries in Southern Europe, including some areas of France.
‘Whilst Zika virus is not currently found it Europe, there is the potential for its introduction and limited spread, especially during the summer months when the mosquito population is at its peak. The WHO has not recommended avoiding travel this summer; however, travellers to Southern Europe (especially pregnant women) are advised to take reasonable precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
‘Countries throughout Europe have already begun surveillance and eradication programs designed to detect the presence of the virus and to reduce the numbers of Aedes mosquitos. These programs will help to prevent or limit the spread of the virus whilst providing an early warning, should the virus arrive in Europe. It will be very important to watch the situation develop over the course of the summer, as health and travel recommendations may change.’