As of May 23rd 2016, Zika virus infection has been made a notifiable disease in Ireland and will carry the same obligations for reporting as other notifiable infectious diseases.

 
Risk of transmission

Ireland remains at three, travel acquired cases (fully recovered) of Zika virus infection since the beginning of 2016. However, as Europe approaches the summer months, with increasing temperatures and in some countries the presence of a Zika viable vector (mosquito) (e.g. France, Spain, Malta) vigilance is still advised and Zika virus infection remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Ireland is considered to be at very low risk of local Zika virus transmission according to the most recent WHO EURO country level risk assessment and for our level of risk we are compliant with WHO EURO recommendations for surveillance, laboratory capacity and emergency risk communication.

European countries that are considered at moderate to high risk of having the local mosquito population infected with Zika virus include France, Italy, Malta and Spain. This is due to increasing summer temperatures and the presence of a Zika viable mosquito but these countries have not as yet reported any cases of mosquito based transmission. For the full list of likelihood scores for Zika transmission see the WHO EURO technical report. As of 10th May 2016, twenty three (23) countries have reported non-vector borne transmission of Zika, most likely through sexual transmission.

Information for travellers to and EU citizens residing in areas with active transmission

Travellers visiting countries where there is active transmission of Zika virus and EU citizens residing in these countries:

o     should take measures to prevent mosquito bites indoors and outdoors, especially from sunrise to sunset when Aedes mosquito vectors are most active in biting. These measures include:

• The use of mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during the hours when the type of mosquito that is known to transmit the Zika virus (Aedes) is most active.
• Sleeping or resting in screened or air-conditioned rooms, otherwise use mosquito nets, at night and during the day.

The figure in HPSC's Zika Virus and Pregnancy Frequently Asked Questions outlines advice on the steps needed to prevent sexual transmission of Zika.

Zika virus infection and pregnancy: Interim clinical guidance for healthcare professionals is now available on the HPSC website. 

Further information on Zika virus infection is on the HPSC website.