Danger by Zikavirus - also for Germans

Several cases of zika virus infections reported in Germany

The Zikavirus is associated by many people only with Brazil. But the dangerous pathogen is also common in other parts of the world. Therefore, long-haul travelers should not underestimate the dangers of the virus. Also in this country infection cases have been reported this year.

Zika virus can lead to pediatric skull malformations

Health experts say zikavirus is not fatal, but it can trigger neonatal skull malformations. In the so-called "microcephaly" children are born with an unusually small head, which can lead to brain malformations. Because the virus is present in many regions of the world, long-haul travelers should not underestimate the dangers of the pathogen. Especially pregnant women and women who want to have children should pay attention to the recommendations of experts and weigh up precisely which countries they can travel to.

Bavaria's health minister Melanie Huml has warned far-sighted travelers about the threat of the Zika virus with a view to the upcoming Christmas holidays. The dangerous pathogen occurs in over 80 countries worldwide. (Image: Zerbor / fotolia.com)

Danger from the virus should not be underestimated

Bavaria's Minister of Health, Melanie Huml, warned expatriates not to underestimate the danger posed by the dangerous zika virus in view of the upcoming Christmas holidays.

"Even after the cessation of the Zikavirus epidemic in South and Central America, there is no reason for the all-clear. Zika virus infections are present in more than 80 countries worldwide, especially in the tropics and subtropics, "the minister said in a statement.

"There is still the risk of getting infected with the Zika virus while traveling. Especially pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant should therefore, on the recommendation of the Federal Foreign Office, not travel to Zika virus outbreak areas. "

Pregnant women should be better off traveling in risk areas

The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized the countries affected by the Zika virus into different categories depending on the risk of transmission.

The Federal Foreign Office (AA) has endorsed this assessment and recommends that "pregnant women and women who want to become pregnant should refrain from avoidable travel" in WHO category 1 or 2 regions, "as there is a risk of early childhood malformations in women is ".

"The transfer risk can vary considerably both regionally and seasonally," writes the AA, for example, in the notes to Thailand.

"In unavoidable journeys, care must be taken to ensure consistent use of personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites all day," the Office wrote in an earlier communication.

Virus can spread to the unborn child

"In pregnant women, infection is particularly dangerous because the virus can spread to the unborn child. Studies indicate that infection with the Zikavirus during pregnancy in the fetus can lead to malformations of the brain, "said Huml, the licensed doctor.

"In addition, other neurological abnormalities and malformations such as placental insufficiency to the death of the fetus are associated with the infection," said the Minister.

According to the information, two zika virus infections were transmitted to the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) in Bavaria this year until 3 December 2018.

Both cases involved persons who had been in a risk area abroad - in Cuba and the Philippines. In the same period of the previous year, there were 15 confirmed cases.

However, because most of the infections are asymptomatic or mild-onset, unreported Zika infections are likely to be high.

Patients were previously in a risk area

Zika viruses are primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These are, for example, the yellow fever mosquitoes that are widespread in the tropics and parts of the subtropics. Sexual transmission is also possible.

"All in the past three years from Zikavirus sufferers from Bavaria had previously traveled to a risk area such as Central America, Southeast Asia or the Caribbean Islands," said Huml.

"So far no transmission within Bavaria is known - neither by mosquito bites nor by sexual contacts. Tourists should look for possible symptoms of Zikavirus infection after returning from risk areas, "the minister warned.

"These include rash and headache, joint and muscle aches. Anyone who notices these symptoms should go to the doctor. "

Protective measures to avoid mosquito bites

Huml added: "Travelers to tropical countries should consult the current state of zika virus infections in each region for advice from a tropical or travel health professional. In the case of unavoidable trips to risky countries, protection measures should be taken to avoid mosquito bites. "

The WHO recommends that pregnant women whose partner returns from a high-risk area practice "safe sex" by the end of the pregnancy.

Couples planning to become pregnant should wait at least six months after returning from a risk area.

Regardless, all travelers should use condom use to protect their sexual partners for at least six months after returning from the Zika virus outbreak areas. (Ad)