Brits travelling to Thailand are being warned to take precautions amid an outbreak of a mosquito borne virus. Health officials say pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to zika virus, which has been detected mainly in the central region of the country.
In an update, Travel Health Pro stated that as of September 5 the Thai Ministry of Health has reported a total of 229 zika virus cases in 2024.
These have affected people in 38 provinces, with 80 cases in the central area. No deaths have been reported. In August a zika virus outbreak was also reported in India, in Maharashtra State, by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Zika virus infection is spread by day-biting mosquitoes but a small number of zika virus cases have also been reported as spread by sexual contact.
It is typically found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
The majority of people infected with zika virus will display no symptoms and for those with symptoms, it is usually a mild and short-lived illness.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes)
- Joint and muscle pain
- A rash
- Itching
- Swollen joints.
“There is no specific treatment; but rest, fluids and pain relief help relieve symptoms,” Travel Pro Health says.
Serious complications and deaths from zika virus are not common. But zika virus is a cause of birth defects known as congenital zika syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological problems such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Prevention
There is no vaccine or medication to prevent zika virus infection so the best prevention is taking precautions against getting bitten by mosquitoes.
Travel Health Pro says: “All travellers should be vigilant with insect bite precautions. See also preventing infection by sexual transmission.
“Travellers to regions where zika virus occurs should ideally seek travel health advice from their GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic at least four to six weeks before travel. This is particularly important for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, anyone with a severe, chronic medical condition or a medical condition that weakens their immune system (immunosuppression).”
Complications
The NHS warns that zika virus can harm a developing baby if you get it when you’re pregnant. It can cause problems with the baby’s brain and the baby having an unusually small head (microcephaly).
“It’s important to avoid getting pregnant for up to three months after you’ve come back to the UK from a country where there’s a zika virus risk,” the NHS says.
“Speak to your midwife or doctor for advice if you’re worried your unborn baby may be affected by zika virus.”
If you have symptoms, you should:
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink lots of fluids
- Take pain relief, such as paracetamol.
If you’re pregnant and have zika virus, your midwife or hospital doctor will talk about the risk with you and may arrange an ultrasound scan to check your baby’s growth.