Zika caused microcephaly in Peru

Although the transmission of the Zika virus has been confirmed in various areas of Peru, to date there have been no reports of microcephaly (small brain) or other birth defects in newborns delivered by Zika infected women. However, the 1st confirmed case of microcephaly has been reported in the province of Chincha. Several other cases are suspected to have birth defects due to Zika.

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Travellers are reminded that the transmission of the Zika virus continues in Peru and other Latin American countries. Pregnant women who become infected with this virus are at considerable risk of delivering an infant with severe neurological impairment.

The risk of exposure to this virus may be high. 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.