February 2016

To all Oxfordshire GPs and midwives

Dear Colleague

ZIKA VIRUS UPDATE

Following the WHO declaring the Zika Virus a Public Health emergency of International concern, we thought it might be useful to signpost you to some web based resources, and also provide some advice about local arrangements.

Websites to direct the public/patients to for information

NHS Choices Zika virus: your questions answered - Health News - NHS Choices

RCOG Website Q&As related to Zika virus and pregnancy

Public Health England Guidance for primary care

RCOG interm clinical guidelines on Zika virus Infection and Pregnancy

Interim clinical guidelines on Zika virus infection and pregnancy

Advice on testing and further management
  • Please note that blood and urine testing for Zika virus is only indicated for patients who are currently symptomatic.
  • Samples are analysed at the Rare and Imported Pathogen Lab by Public Health England at Porton, for which a specific RIPL request form needs to be downloaded and filled out
  • Details on how to do this are contained in the Public Health England Guidance accessed by the above linkage. However, at the time of writing it is expected that any local testing requests will originate from the ID service on John Warin Ward rather than from primary care.

If you see someone whom you believe is currently symptomatic of Zika virus which began in an affected country or within 2 weeks of leaving

  • If pregnant, please contact the ID SpR on John Warin Ward (bleep 5885) for further advice. The ID team will see and assess prior to referral to the fetal medicine unit.
  • If not pregnant, please contact the ID SpR on John Warin Ward (as above) for further advice.

If you see a pregnant lady who has had previous Zika like symptoms in an affected country or within 2 weeks of leaving

  • Please refer to the Fetal Medicine Service at OUH (01865 221716 or 220035). She will be seen at the Thursday pm fetal medicine clinic at which the underlying issues will be explained and a follow-up u/s arranged as appropriate
  • Please do not arrange blood or urine tests for Zika virus
If you see a pregnant lady who has travelled from an affected country but not been symptomatic
  • Please refer to the Fetal Medicine Service at OUH (01865 221716 or 220035). She will be seen at the Thursday pm fetal medicine clinic at which the underlying issues will be explained and a follow-up u/s arranged as appropriate
  • Please do not arrange blood or urine tests for Zika virus

Please note that the situation is rapidly evolving and it is possible that guidance may change in due course. Countries currently identified with ZIKA are Areas with Zika | Zika virus | CDC

Mr Lawrence Impey Dr Katie Jeffery Dr David Grimshaw

Consultant Obstetrican OUH Consultant Virologist OUH OCCG Pathology Lead