What should you know about Zika CDC guidance?

Guidance about Zika commonly addresses mosquito exposure, travel, sexual transmission, pregnancy, and testing. Recommendations can differ according to the place visited, the dates of travel, whether symptoms are present, and whether someone is pregnant or planning pregnancy. General guidance cannot determine whether a particular illness is Zika. It provides a framework for lowering exposure and identifying situations that need individual assessment.

Record countries and dates of travel, the onset of any rash or fever, and any mosquito bites you remember. Prevent bites with appropriate repellent, covering clothes, and protected accommodation. Tell a clinician about pregnancy, plans to conceive, or a partner who is pregnant. Use barriers or avoid sex until you receive advice suited to your circumstances. Do not rely on an online checklist to decide which tests or medicines you need.

Contact a clinician promptly after relevant travel if you are pregnant, have pregnancy plans, or have symptoms such as fever, rash, red eyes, headache, or joint discomfort. Urgent assessment is appropriate for severe or worsening illness, trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, dehydration, or severe abdominal pain. Symptoms after travel may be caused by infections other than Zika, and some require rapid treatment.

Ask how your itinerary changes the assessment, whether testing is useful now, what symptom relief is appropriate, and how long to continue measures that reduce transmission. If pregnancy is involved, ask what follow-up is appropriate for you and the pregnancy.