What Is The Zika Virus? Advice From Experts In Liverpool
The World Health Organisation is warning the Zika virus could spread in every European country if the Aedes mosquito gets a foothold on the continent,
The organisation's Europe chief said the risk of the virus spreading around Europe would increase in spring and summer as temperatures warm up.
It is most likely to spread beyond Latin America by mosquitos stowed away in baggage, or in the blood of travellers coming back from holiday.
Here's the facts you need to know:
- The Aedes mosquito is rarely found in Europe, but health experts say it could survive in hotter countries if reintroduced there. - However, the mosquito is established on Madeira, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). - It caused a dengue fever epidemic on the Portuguese island in late 2012. - Women are being warned to avoid Zika-hit countries if they are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant. - With the exception of the risks for unborn babies, the virus is not considered dangerous. - About one in five people infected get relatively mild symptoms including a fever, muscle pain, red-eyes and a skin rash three to 12 days after being bitten.
Dr Nick Beeching is a Consultant On Tropical Medicine at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital
Watch his advice below