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Department of Foreign Affairs issues travel advice over Zika outbreak

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice for 20 countries in response to the Zi...
Newstalk
Newstalk

15.50 28 Jan 2016


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Department of Foreign Affairs...

Department of Foreign Affairs issues travel advice over Zika outbreak

Newstalk
Newstalk

15.50 28 Jan 2016


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The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice for 20 countries in response to the Zika virus outbreak.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has advised Irish citizens to be aware of the risks of the virus, and to take the appropriate precautions if visiting Central and South America and the Caribbean.

"While the risk is low in most cases I would particularly urge pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant to consider postponing their travel to affected areas and to consult with their healthcare provider before they travel", he said.

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The department remains in close contact with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Irish missions in the Americas in relation to the outbreak.

It says that those who intend to travel to Central and South America should ensure they take the proper precautions against mosquito bites - and secure the necessary vaccinations for this type of environment.

The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to a steep increase in the number of babies born with severe birth defects, including abnormally small heads, across the Americas.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has so far issued advisories for:

  • Barbados
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Colombia
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • French Guiana
  • Guadeloupe
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • El Salvador
  • Honduras
  • Martinique
  • Mexico
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Suriname
  • USA (Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands)
  • Venezuela

However it adds that not all countries are associated with the same level of risk - and are categorised as "an increasing or widespread transmission" of the disease, or "sporadic transmission following recent introduction".

It comes as the World Health Organisation (WHO) plans to hold an emergency meeting to discuss whether the outbreak qualifies as an international public health emergency on February 1st.

It says the virus is "spreading explosively", amid fears it may be carried by the common mosquito.


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