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| Zika Transmission in Asia- Credit ECDC |
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For just over a month we've been watching as the number of Zika virus infection reported by Southeast Asian nations has grown (see Zika Updates: Singapore - Malaysia - Thailand) raising new concerns for the spread of the virus.
While the numbers remain small compared to what has been reported from South and Central America, surveillance in many areas is just starting to ramp up, and so the actual risk is difficult to gauge.
Last night the CDC issued new travel advice for 11 Southeast Asian Nations. Follow the link to read the full report.
What is the current situation?
Travelers have returned from certain areas of Southeast Asia with Zika virus infection. While our understanding of the complications of Zika virus infection continues to evolve, and pending broader international surveillance efforts for Zika virus infection, we are providing pregnant women and their partners updated recommendations on reducing their risk for travel related Zika virus infection.
CDC recommends pregnant women should consider postponing nonessential travel to Southeast Asia countries with reports of Zika virus infection from local transmission or related to travel to those countries, and those countries with adjacent borders where limited information is available to fully evaluate risk of Zika virus infection.
Zika virus has been present in areas of Southeast Asia for many years, and several countries have reported occasional cases or small outbreaks of Zika virus infections. Zika virus is considered endemic in some countries, and a large number of local residents are likely to be immune. However, US travelers to endemic areas may not be immune to Zika virus and infections have occurred among travelers to Southeast Asia.
Recent variations have been observed in the number of cases reported in Southeast Asia. This can reflect changes in awareness of Zika virus, surveillance and testing for Zika virus, or changes in intensity of Zika virus transmission. Pregnant women traveling to Southeast Asia could become infected with Zika virus. The level of this risk is unknown and likely lower than in areas where Zika virus is newly introduced and spreading widely.
Countries included in this travel message include those listed below. For country-specific information, please visit Health Information for Travelers for individual countries:(Continue . . . . )
- Brunei
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste (East Timor)
- Vietnam
Travel Considerations for Pregnant Women Traveling to Southeast Asia
Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes severe birth defects, including microcephaly and severe fetal brain abnormalities. Therefore, pregnant women should talk with their healthcare provider and consider postponing nonessential travel to Southeast Asia. Zika virus testing should be offered to pregnant women and considered for other people who have symptoms of Zika virus disease if they have recently traveled to Southeast Asia.
