Zika Virus Infection in Angola
10 Jan 2017
On the 7 January 2017 the Angolan Ministry of Health (AMoH) reported
(in Portuguese) 2 cases of zika virus infection (ZIKV) in the country.
In response the AMoH has increased active epidemiological surveillance throughout the country and advised that the general population, particularly pregnant and procreative women take precautions against mosquito bites.
Please refer to the Health Protection Scotland ZIKV transmission table to determine the current risk category of any given country/territory/area:
Advice for Travellers
ZIKV is most commonly spread by mosquito bites, but there is also a risk of sexual transmission. There is a link between ZIKV infection and babies being born with birth defects.
- All travellers should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance, at all times.
- All travellers should have adequate travel insurance.
- Always refer to current advice on the ZIKV Infection page, which includes how to avoid sexual transmission of ZIKV.
- Pregnant women should postpone non-essential travel to countries or areas with High risk of ZIKV transmission.
- Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries or areas with Moderate risk of ZIKV transmission.
- Travellers that develop any feverish illness whilst travelling or on return should seek medical attention quickly.
- An individual risk assessment is advisable for pregnant women travelling to low risk areas.