Zika-affected countries and travel

Zika is spread by mosquitoes in suitable environments, so risk can differ between countries, regions, islands, and even urban and rural parts of the same journey. Official advice may change as surveillance, seasons, and local transmission patterns change.

The relevant question is not simply whether a country has ever reported Zika. A clinician or travel adviser will consider the exact locations on your itinerary, the dates of travel, outdoor activities, accommodation, pregnancy, and plans to conceive.

Check a current official travel-health source shortly before departure and again if your itinerary changes. Keep a record of destinations and travel dates. Use repellent as directed, cover exposed skin, and reduce time around mosquitoes, especially during periods when they are active.

If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have a pregnant partner, seek travel-health advice before booking where possible. The conversation can cover destination-specific precautions, sexual transmission, and whether a different itinerary is worth considering.

Arrange clinical advice if you develop fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, or feel unwell after travel to a place with possible mosquito-borne illness. Mention every stop on your trip, including short stays and airport layovers.

Seek urgent help for severe headache, confusion, seizures, breathing difficulty, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration. These warning signs need prompt assessment irrespective of the destination.

Ask whether each destination on your route has a current Zika concern, which mosquito precautions suit you, and what sexual precautions are advised after travel. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, ask how your plans affect the travel decision.