How Zika is transmitted

A mosquito can transmit Zika after feeding on an infected person and then biting another person. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact. During pregnancy, it can pass from a pregnant person to the developing baby. These routes are why travel history and a partner’s travel history can be relevant to a clinical assessment.

People may have Zika without feeling ill, so the absence of symptoms does not always remove transmission questions. Zika is not spread by ordinary casual contact such as sharing a room, touching, or talking with someone.

When travelling to an area with Zika transmission, reduce mosquito bites with suitable repellent, clothing that covers exposed skin, and accommodation measures that keep mosquitoes out. Remove or cover standing water around where you stay when practical, because mosquitoes can breed near people.

Use barrier protection or avoid sex according to individual advice after relevant travel or exposure. This is particularly important when a pregnancy is involved or planned. A travel-health clinician can help you apply prevention advice to your itinerary and circumstances.

Arrange prompt medical advice after a possible exposure if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or develop fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes after travel. Seek urgent care for severe headache, confusion, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, or fainting. These are warning signs regardless of the suspected infection.

Ask whether your destination or a partner’s destination creates a Zika concern, which mosquito precautions suit you, and what sexual precautions are advised. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, ask how an exposure should be assessed and followed.