Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 July 2016
512. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the public health advice he has issued regarding the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and the Zika virus; how he has publicised this advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15309/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraZika is a viral infection that usually causes a mild illness, with approximately 80% of infected people having no symptoms. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. Infection with Zika virus in pregnant women has been linked with a serious birth condition called microcephaly where babies are born with unusually small heads. Cases of a neurological illness (called Guillain-Barré Syndrome) possibly caused by Zika virus infection are also being investigated.
Environmental conditions in Ireland do not support the natural reservoirs or vectors of the Zika virus. Consequently, the risk of onward transmission in Ireland is considered low.
Based on national and international expert medical guidance, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly recommends that pregnant women consider postponing their travel to affected areas, and in particular to areas classified as having an increasing or widespread transmission of the Zika virus. This is consistent with advice from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ensure appropriate and up to date advices are available to Irish travellers to affected countries. There is also ongoing liaison between the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and the Olympic Council of Ireland concerning preparations for the Games in Rio later this year.
There are a number of preventative measures citizens can take to reduce their exposure to mosquito bites. These include:
- using of mosquito repellents;
- wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, especially during the hours of highest mosquito activity; and
- using of mosquito nets in accommodation which is not adequately screened or air-conditioned.
Travel advices for Irish citizens travelling to Brazil are available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website (www.dfa.ie). Further practical information is available on the websites of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (www.hpsc.ie) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (ecdc.europa.eu).
