The WHO Emergency Committee on Zika Virus has recommended that there should be no general restrictions on travel or trade with countries, areas and or territories endemic with Zika virus transmission.
In the report submitted to the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations, regarding clusters of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders in some areas affected by Zika virus, the committee recommended that pregnant women should be advised not to travel to areas where there is an outbreak of the virus.
The committee in the report submitted on Wednesday in New York, advised WHO to intensify surveillance for the notification of Zika virus infection with the dissemination of standard case definitions and diagnostics to areas of transmission and at-risk areas.
It also recommended that 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.
Furthermore, the committee suggested that travellers to areas with Zika virus outbreaks should be provided with up-to-date advice on potential risks and appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to mosquito bites.
The committee also suggested that for those people who have travelled, upon return, they should take appropriate measures, including safe sex, to reduce the risk of onward transmission.
The committee advices the WHO to regularly update its guidance on travel with evolving information on the nature and duration of risks associated with Zika virus infection.
It also recommended the development of new diagnostics for Zika virus infection to facilitate surveillance and control measures, and especially the management of pregnancy.
The committee said research, development and evaluation of novel vector control measures should be pursued by the organisation, with particular urgency.
It also said that research and development efforts should also be intensified for Zika virus vaccines and therapeutics in the medium term.
The committee also advised WHO to intensify research into the relationship between new clusters of microcephaly, other neurological disorders, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Zika virus.
Particular attention, the committee added, should be given to generating additional data on the genetic sequences and clinical effect of different Zika virus strains, studying the neuropathology of microcephaly.
Others are conducting additional case-control and cohort studies in other and more recently infected settings, and developing animal models for experimental studies.
NAN recalls that in January 2016, the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, issued travel guidance on affected countries, including the use of enhanced precautions, and guidelines for pregnant women including considering postponing travel.
Countries with ongoing transmission of Zika are Aruba, American Samoa, Barbados, Brazil, Cape Verde, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe and Haiti, among others.
-NAN