ECDC issues new guide for Zika outbreak response

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued on Friday a new guide, aiming for a rapid response, in the event of a Zika virus outbreak in Europe.

The center said in a statement that the "Preparedness Guide on Zika and Substances of Human Origin", offers a set of activities that should be considered in the preparation and implementation of a national preparedness plan for the safety of substances of human origin (SoHO) such as blood, tissue and cells, as Zika virus can potentially also be transmitted through SoHO.

"It provides information and advice such as definitions of affected areas, advice on SoHO safety measures and guidance on who can do what to mitigate the consequences in case of local Zika virus transmission in Europe," the statement quoted ECDC chief scientist Mike Catchpole as saying, adding, "It is important to assess and ensure the safety of both recipients and donors of SoHO in preventing the spread of Zika."

The activities set out in this guide aim to assist the European Union member states in decision making on how to assess and manage the risks posed by Zika to the safety of SoHO. The guide identifies concrete activities to be considered at the local, national and EU level.

In the latest ECDC risk assessment, it said, there had been no reported local transmission in the EU (continental Europe), but "977 imported cases were recorded in 20 EU/EEA countries."

It also said that imported cases were expected to "continue during the summer in Europe," and the risk of local transmission through mosquitoes is considered to be "low to moderate."

The ECDC, headquartered in the Swedish capital since 2005, works with health authorities across Europe to fight infectious diseases. Endit