First case of sexually-transmitted Zika virus reported in the UK

The woman affected is said to have made a full recovery.

The first likely case of sexual transmission of the Zika virus has been reported by authorities in the United Kingdom. Public Health England issued an update on Wednesday about the number of cases of Zika infection in the UK, including the first likely case of sexual transmission. It is believed that a woman was infected by a partner who had recently visited an area where there is active Zika transmission. She has since made a full recovery. Professor Dilys Morgan, Zika Incident Director at Public Health England said: “It is important to remember that the main risk relates to travellers to countries classified as high or moderate risk for Zika infection. “Zika infection is usually a mild, self-limiting illness, and PHE’s advice is based on the fact that our main concern is to avoid infection in pregnancy, in order to avoid risk to the unborn child.” 265 known cases of the Zika virus have been reported in the UK as of 30 November 2016, including seven in which pregnant women were affected. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is not common, and the mosquito which transmits the virus is not present in the UK or Ireland. Male travellers are advised to avoid conception and use condoms and other barrier methods during sexual activities for six months following return from a Zika high or moderate risk country. Women who have travelled to an area regarded as high or moderate Zika virus risk are advised to avoid conception and use condoms or other barrier methods for eight weeks after leaving the area. For more information on Zika and how it can affect pregnant women in particular, check out the relevant section on the HSE website.