Travelers Bring Zika To Hungary

The National Reference Laboratory of Viral Zoonoses of the National Center for Public Health in Hungary recently confirmed two imported Zika virus infections.

As of February 27, 2023, these travelers had visited Thailand and survived the infection with mild symptoms. 

Furthermore, no Zika cases of domestic origin occurred have been reported as of March 22, 2023.

Therefore, Hungary says 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, primarily spread by mosquito bites.

The virus has been known to circulate in Thailand for over sixty years, but little is known about how it got here.

Still, 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 essential to protect yourself against the bites of mosquitoes that spread the virus when traveling to tropical and subtropical regions.

If travelers returning from the affected area experience symptoms consistent with Zika virus infection appearing within three 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.