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<p>Public Health England (PHE) and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
have been carefully monitoring the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas since it was
first reported in Brazil during May 2015. PHE has reviewed evidence on the transmission
of Zika virus and PHE mosquito experts have provided advice to Government and the
public that neither the main vector of Zika virus <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, nor other
species of <em>Aedes</em> mosquitoes, including <em>Aedes albopictus</em>, that may
have the potential to transmit this virus, are established in the United Kingdom.</p><p>
</p><p>The risk to the UK population is related to travel to countries where Zika
virus outbreaks are currently ongoing, and NaTHNaC and PHE have published updated
advice for travellers to South and Central America and the Caribbean, including specific
advice for pregnant women. The risk of onward spread within the UK is very low and
PHE has again provided this advice to government, and the public.</p><p> </p><p>PHE
has also been working with appropriate professional groups to develop information
and guidance on Zika for clinicians. This advice can be accessed through the PHE website
and has been cascaded by organisations such as the Royal College of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists.</p><p> </p><p>Together with the Royal College of General Practitioners
PHE has developed guidance specifically targeted at primary care which will be available
shortly. PHE has also produced regular briefing notes for local health protection
teams who have been asked to share this with the local National Health Service.</p>
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