[Zika virus : update of the practical guidelines]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Travel Medicine

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) from 2015-2017.
• ZIKV is now endemic in many tropical and subtropical regions globally.
• High herd immunity has been achieved in the LAC region, significantly reducing ZIKV case numbers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and present updated travel recommendations for Zika virus (ZIKV).
• To inform travelers and healthcare providers about the current epidemiological status of ZIKV.
• To provide practical guidance based on recent evidence and altered risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on Zika virus (ZIKV) prevalence.
• Analysis of recent scientific publications and evidence.
• Case study approach to illustrate updated travel guidelines.
• Incorporation of recommendations from the Swiss Expert Committee of Travel Medicine (April 2019).

Main Results:

• The risk of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection for travelers to the LAC region is now considered low.
• Reduced incidence of ZIKV cases is attributed to increased herd immunity.
• Travel recommendations have been revised to reflect the diminished risk.

Conclusions:

• Current epidemiological trends suggest a lower risk of ZIKV infection for international travelers.
• Updated guidelines emphasize the reduced threat in previously high-risk areas like LAC.
• Travel medicine professionals should adopt the revised recommendations for patient counseling.