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<p>Public Health England (PHE) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre have
issued travel advice to people who may be travelling to the affected countries, particularly
pregnant women and provided information for the general public through the NHS Choices
website.</p><p> </p><p>PHE has been working with appropriate professional groups to
develop information and guidance on Zika for clinicians. They have worked in partnership
with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to develop specifically targeted
at primary care which is available on the PHE website and has been cascaded by the
RCGP. A copy of this guidance is attached.</p><p> </p><p>PHE have also issued a Central
Alerting System update alert letter to clinicians, which includes specific information
and guidance about Zika virus and pregnancy and general guidance on Zika virus and
travel. A copy of this is attached.</p><p> </p><p>Although some evidence of sexual
transmission exists and there is the possibility that blood transfusions may be able
to transmit the virus this will be very rare. Transmission from mother to fetus via
the placenta is also possible. If a person acquires Zika abroad and becomes ill on
their return to the United Kingdom, mosquito-borne transmission will not occur as
the mosquito is not present in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>Information on these issues is
available on the PHE website. The Government continues to monitor this situation very
closely and will continue to take action as appropriate.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>
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