Information Regarding the Zika Virus Epidemic

In mid-September 2015, an increased number of cases of infection with the Zika virus, with a tendency toward further spread, were recorded in countries of Central and South America and on certain Pacific islands of Oceania. The virus is transmitted by tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), and the symptoms of the illness include elevated temperature, fever, skin rash, joint pain, and headache, which usually last 4 to 7 days and most often resolve without serious complications.

The presence of the Zika virus has, to date, been recorded in the following countries: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, El Salvador, Suriname, French Guiana, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Paraguay, Barbados, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cape Verde, the Virgin Islands, Samoa, and Thailand.

Our citizens are advised that, should they travel to areas affected by the Zika virus, they should inform themselves in detail about the current epidemiological situation and apply protective measures against mosquito bites. Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy are advised to refrain from traveling to these countries, due to the risk of infection and possible serious effects on the health of newborns (neurological disorders, head deformities).