PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNIQUE
General Practices and Emergency Departments
Zika virus resources for clinicians
22/02/2016
Due to global concern regarding the potential for fetal abnormalities such as microcephaly if a pregnant woman becomes infected with Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern was declared by the World Health Organization on 01 February 2016.
The evidence for a causal link between Zika virus infection and severe congenital malformations is evolving, and further studies are required to determine whether there is a causal link. There is also only limited information available from which to estimate the risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus.
Queensland Health is currently working closely with the Australian Government Department of Health and interstate colleagues to prepare resources forclinicians to assist them in the management of persons who have been infected with Zika virus.
While the mosquitoes capable of transmitting Zika virus exist in North Queensland (with smaller numbers in central and southern Queensland), there has been no evidence of local transmission of Zika virus in Australia. All known cases to date have been overseas acquired.
What’s new?
An expert working group convened by the Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) has developed guidance on:
- Interim guidelines for management of pregnant women with Zika virus exposure
- Interim recommendations for reducing the risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus
- Information about Zika testing
These documents are available at
Specific actions for GPs/general practice:
Management of pregnant women
Healthcare providers should inquire about travel history among all pregnant women. Those with a positive history of travel to a Zika virus-affected country during or immediately prior to pregnancy should be evaluated (refer to the list of countries at the Department of Health website).Travellers are reminded to use mosquito prevention precautions when travelling, irrespective of the Zika virus status of any particular country.
Preventing sexual transmission
Men who have travelled to areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission whose partner is pregnant should abstain from sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral) or consistently use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic.
Men who have had a confirmed Zika virus infection, whose partner is not pregnant should abstain from sexual activity (vaginal, anal, or oral) or consistently use condoms for 3 months following the resolution of symptoms.
Further information for health professionals and the public (including multilingual information sheets) can be found at