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Zika virus in Central America - update

In general, the number of reported cases in Central America (Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Panama) continues to decrease, with a weekly average of 335 suspected and confirmed cases. In Costa Rica, there has been a slight increase of suspected and confirmed cases in the week ending February 3rd. In Panama, although there was a decrease in suspected and confirmed cases earlier this year, new cases continue to be diagnosed at a rate of 229 suspected and confirmed cases per week.

Advice

The risk of exposure for the general traveller in any particular location is difficult to estimate since so many infected people have no symptoms and are not recorded officially. There may be many infected people in the community.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for this infection. Travellers can minimize the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

There is strong scientific evidence that this virus is the cause of microcephaly (small brain) and other neurological abnormalities in newborn infants. The World Health Organization advises that pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks. Pregnant women whose sexual partners live in or travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks should ensure safe sexual practices or abstain from sex for the duration of their pregnancy,

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