Zika virus outbreak

24.2.2016

Question for oral answer O-000030/2016
to the Commission
Rule 128
Annie Schreijer-Pierik, Matthias Groote, Bolesław G. Piecha, José Inácio Faria, Kateřina Konečná, Martin Häusling, Piernicola Pedicini, Joëlle Mélin, on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

On 1 February 2016 the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee declared that the Zika outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The experts agreed that a causal relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected, although this has not yet been scientifically proven and therefore all possible causes of microcephaly should be investigated.

1. What is the current state of this outbreak of the disease and the incidence of microcephaly in the EU? What is the risk of transmission of the Zika virus infection in the EU?

2. Has the Commission already considered advising EU health authorities to collaborate with the transport sector to ensure disinfection of cargo, cargo carriers and cabin and passenger compartments of planes arriving from affected areas?

3. Does the Commission believe that the sum of EUR 10 million is commensurate with the extensive scientific challenge posed by the virus and its neurological complications, and the need to develop diagnostic tests, a vaccine and treatment for the disease? In what ways can the Commission help prevent the spread of the virus in the regions where the outbreak is most severe? What are the measures foreseen to prevent the spread of the disease into European territory?

4. Some countries, regions and municipalities in the EU already have many years of experience in monitoring, sensitisation, prevention and combating with regard to the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Does the Commission intend to consult national governments with such expertise in order to build its strategy against the Zika virus?