ECDC policy briefing - Preparing for Zika in the EU

To assist policymakers in preparing for possible local transmission of Zika in the EU, ECDC has produced a policy briefing which highlights preparedness measures to minimise the risk of Zika virus spreading in continental Europe.

This is primarily to protect pregnant women and women who wish to become pregnant, considering the evidence of the association between Zika virus and congenital malformations of the brain of the developing foetus.

Locally acquired cases of Zika virus infection are possible in the EU this summer in countries which have a large Aedes albopictus mosquito population (a mosquito capable of transmitting Zika), and where the ecological and climatic factors favour transmission. In the Autonomous Region of Madeira (Portugal), there is a higher probability of locally acquired cases of Zika than in continental Europe as the main mosquito capable of transmitting Zika, Aedes aegypti, is present there.

Imported cases of Zika virus are already being seen in Europe as well as sexual transmission of Zika through travellers returning from affected areas, and this can be expected to continue given the high number of people travelling between the most affected regions and Europe.

Failure to adequately prepare for Zika in the EU could lead to the disease spreading more widely, resulting in greater costs for mosquito control and care for affected people, and greater concern among the general public. The briefing suggests policymakers focus on operational plans for response measures, including the capability to detect and diagnose cases early and perform surveillance, and the provision of adequate resources to sustain enhanced mosquito control.