NewsDesk @bactiman63

Two imported Zika virus infections were confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory of Viral Zoonoses of the National Center for Public Health in Budapest. The two infected persons had previously been to Thailand, and they survived the infection with mild symptoms.

Aedes aegypti
Image/CDC

The Zika virus usually causes influenza-like symptoms, is spread by mosquito bites in the tropics, and infection can be expected there. No cases of domestic origin occurred, and the Zika virus does not pose a domestic epidemic risk.

The Zika virus is a pathogen found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, America, Asia and the Pacific Ocean, which is primarily spread by mosquito bites, but the infection can also be transmitted sexually or from a pregnant mother to her fetus.

Tropical areas are increasingly popular holiday destinations among the Hungarian population. Since there is no vaccine or drug therapy available against the Zika virus, it is extremely important to protect yourself against the bites of mosquitoes that spread the virus when traveling to tropical and subtropical regions. It is recommended to use mosquito repellants and mosquito nets, as well as to wear long-sleeved tops and long-legged pants. Travelers to tropical regions are advised to pay close attention to protection against mosquitoes, and for couples planning to become pregnant in the near future, traveling to areas affected by the Zika virus may pose a risk.

Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube

About 75% of infections are asymptomatic, and most symptomatic infections show only mild symptoms after an incubation period of 3-14 days. These can be fever or heat rise, malaise, headache, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis. During the infection of pregnant women, the fetus may develop a congenital neurodevelopmental disorder.

If travelers returning from the affected area experience symptoms consistent with Zika virus infection appearing within 3 weeks of arrival, please consult a doctor and mention the location of their trip. Screening tests are available for a fee at the National Center for Public Health, in the case of screening for asymptomatic infection, after a minimum of 4 weeks after returning home, and in the case of pregnancy, a screening test must be carried out in the context of suspected Zika virus infection in the context of care.