No Zika virus in Croatia.
The Croatian Institute for Public Health (CIPH) reported on January 28, 2016 that there are no recorded cases of the tragic Zika virus in Croatia, and that the general risk of the spread of the virus throughout Europe during the winter period is extremely low. CIPH were ready and on alert after cases of Zika were confirmed in two other European countries – Portugal and Denmark.
Zika virus is spread by the saliva of the Tiger mosquito, in humans it initially causes a mild illness known as Zika fever, which since the 1950s has been known to occur within a narrow equatorial belt from Africa to Asia, however in 2014, the virus spread eastward across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia, then to Easter Island and in 2015 to Central America, the Caribbean, and South America, where the Zika outbreak has reached pandemic levels, this virus is related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and several West Nile viruses.
There is a possible link between Zika fever and microcephaly in newborn babies of an infected mother, therefore pregnant women are being told to be vigilant as there are cited cases of miscarriage, premature birth and occurrence of various congenital malformations of the central nervous system of unborn babies, the most striking being a shrunken skull and neurological disorders such as Guillain Barre syndrome. There is currently no vaccine, medication or cure for Zika virus.
Worryingly, there are a number of recorded cases of Zika reported here in Europe in people who have previously visited or resided in highly affected countries, which leads to the concern that there is a possibility of incubation and further spread of Zika within Europe. The Tiger mosquito, also known the annoying buzzing thing that won’t leave your bedroom is a household name in many parts of Europe, mainly in Mediterranean countries, it is densely populated in Greece and highly present in Croatia. The Tiger mosquito is around virtually all the time, breeds in summer and is most active just before dusk.
In most cases, Zika is asymptomatic, and in a minority of cases it manifests as a very mild disease with fever, muscular discomfort, headaches and itching. It lasts from 4-7 days and CIPH recommends drugs such as paracetamol and anti histamines to control its effects.
CIPH has issued a warning to pregnant females, as well as those planning to become pregnant who are in or planning to travel to Croatia to take extra measures in protecting themselves from contact with the Tiger mosquito, including avoiding areas where mosquitoes are known to gather, such as drainage facilities, humid woodland and open stagnant water, purchasing repellent, spray and killing them on sight has also been advised.
All incidents of suspected Zika must be reported immediately.
