The Zika Virus *Update*

There has been lots of press coverage of the Zika virus in the last few weeks some of it very alarming. In this article we explain what Zika virus is and the steps you can take as an individual and on-board in order to minimise the potential for infection.

Update – 24 February 2016

The ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) has issued an information factsheet in a bid to help seafarers around the world protect themselves from the Zika virus.  A copy of the information factsheet can be accessed by clicking here.

Not New but Spreading

Zika virus was discovered in 1947, but for many years only sporadic human cases were detected in Africa and Southern Asia. In 2007, the first documented outbreak of Zika virus disease occurred in the Pacific. Since 2013, cases and outbreaks of the disease have been reported from the Western Pacific, the Americas and Africa. Given the expansion of environments where mosquitoes can live and breed, facilitated by urbanisation and globalisation, there is potential for major urban epidemics of Zika virus disease to occur globally.

The main concerns from a public health point of view are due to a reported link between Zika virus and babies being born with underdeveloped brains, known as microcephaly. The concerns are such that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared a global public health emergency.

Catching Zika Virus

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.  Some evidence suggests Zika virus can also be transmitted to humans through blood transfusion, perinatal transmission and sexual transmission. However, these modes are very rare.

The Symptoms of Zika

The incubation period of Zika virus disease is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.  

Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.

Is There a Vaccine?

There is no specific vaccine currently available.

Zika Virus Range

Zika virus occurs in tropical areas with large mosquito populations, and is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and Western Pacific.

CDC Countries that have past or current evidence of Zika virus transmission (as of December 2015).

Focus on Prevention

The precautions that crews should take are similar to those that would be in place if visiting a country where malaria was endemic. As such crews on ships calling at ports in regions currently affected by the Zika virus should focus on reducing exposure to mosquito bites.

To avoid bites you should cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and hats. Use insect repellents, recommended by the health authorities, and apply them as indicated on the label.  Using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows and sleeping under mosquito nets can also reduce the risk of exposure to mosquitos.

Eliminating mosquito breeding sites on board also reduces the chance of Zika being transmitted.  So avoid having standing water in save-alls or other exposed containers and cover any containers that may provide breeding sites.

Always refer to the WHO advice on Zika virus which may change as the situation develops.

Sources and further information can be found on the following links:

• www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en
• www.cdc.gov/zika
• www.paho.org
• Marine Safety Information Bulletin
• IMO Circular Letter
• MARAD Advisory 2016-02