HPR volume 10 issue 41: news (25 November)
Updated 16 December 2016
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1. Zika virus – epidemiological and guidance update
On 18 November, the World Health Organization Emergency Committee on Zika virus met for the fifth time to discuss the latest developments in terms of the virus and its associated neurological sequelae. While the committee felt that Zika virus and its associated consequences remains a significant and enduring public health challenge requiring intense action, the situation no longer represents a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as defined under the International Health Regulations [1]. PHE continues to monitor the international Zika virus epidemiological situation to ensure guidance and travel advice remains appropriate.
In the last week, PHE’s advice on preventing sexual transmission of Zika virus infection has been amended in line with that of other international public health bodies, including the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Although not based on any new evidence, the change simplifies the messaging on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus for men. All men (regardless of symptoms) are now recommended to use barrier methods to prevent sexual transmission for six months following return from a country with moderate or high Zika virus risk (and use effective contraception if their partner is of child bearing age). There is no change to prevention of sexual transmission advice for women [2].
Since late 2015 Zika infection has been diagnosed in UK travellers on return from countries reporting active Zika virus transmission. As of 23 November 2016, 263 travel-associated cases have been diagnosed since 2015. The majority (>70%) of cases have travelled to the Caribbean [3].
1.1 Region of travel for Zika cases diagnosed in UK travellers since 2015 (as of 23 November 2016)
| Region of travel | Total |
|---|---|
| Caribbean | 188 |
| South America | 33 |
| Central America | 33 |
| North America | 2 |
| Oceana | 1 |
| South East Asia | 1 |
| More than one region | 5 |
| TOTAL | 263 |
1.2 References
- WHO (November 2016). WHO statement following the fifth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) regarding microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus.
- PHE website (Guidance). Zika virus: preventing infection by sexual transmission.
- PHE website (Guidance). Zika virus: epidemiology and cases diagnosed in the UK
2. Infection and vaccine coverage reports in this issue of HPR
The following reports are published in this issue of HPR. The links below are to the relevant webpage collections or publications.
2.1 Infection reports
- Surveillance of pyogenic and non-pyogenic streptococcal bacteraemia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 2015
- Laboratory confirmed cases of measles, mumps and rubella, England: July to September 2016
- Laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis reported to the enhanced pertussis surveillance programme in England during April to June 2016
2.2 Vaccine coverage reports
- Pertussis Vaccination Programme for Pregnant Women: vaccine coverage estimates in England, April to September 2016
- Vaccine coverage estimate for the GP based catch-up meningococcal ACWY (MenACWY) immunisation programme for school leavers (becoming 18 before 31 August 2016) in England, cumulative data to the end of October 2016