Zika Virus in Colombia (Update)

04 Feb 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was first confirmed in Colombia on 15 October 2015, and case have continued to be reported. As of week ending 24 January 2016, a total of 20 297 suspected cases of ZIKV have been recorded, of those, 1050 have been laboratory-confirmed as ZIKV and 17 115 have been confirmed clinically.

A total of 2116 suspected cases were pregnant while infected and of those, 176 were laboratory-confirmed as ZIKV infections, 1735 were confirmed clinically and 205 are suspected cases.

Advice for Travellers

Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, is recommended for all travellers. Due to the possible link between Zika virus infection and birth defects, pregnant women, or those planning pregnancy are strongly urged to seek pre-travel advice from their health care provider. They should be helped to understand the risks and to make an informed decision on whether to change their travel plans. If the decision is made to travel, strict measures to avoid mosquito bites both during daytime and nightime hours should be followed.

Bite avoidance measures include: covering up with clothing, the use of insect repellent and bed nets impregnated with insecticide. Reduction of mosquito breeding sites around hotel rooms/homes is advised for longer term stays.

• Further information on insect bite avoidance.
• Further infromation on Zika virus infection.