How does Zika virus spread?

An Aedes mosquito can pick up Zika when it bites an infected person and later transmit the virus through another bite. These mosquitoes commonly bite during daylight as well as around dawn and dusk. Zika can also be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, including when a person has no symptoms. During pregnancy, infection can pass from a pregnant person to the developing baby.

Blood exposure and laboratory exposure are additional situations clinicians consider, but mosquito and sexual transmission are the main practical concerns for travellers and partners.

Before and during travel, use an appropriate insect repellent, wear clothing that covers skin, and use screens or air-conditioned rooms where available. Remove standing water around accommodation when possible. After travel from an area with Zika transmission, use condoms or avoid sex for the period advised by a clinician, especially if pregnancy is possible.

A travel health appointment can help you plan around your destination, health needs, and pregnancy plans.

Contact a clinician if you develop rash, fever, joint pain, red eyes, or headache after travel or mosquito exposure. Seek timely advice if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or your partner may be pregnant after possible exposure. Urgent assessment is needed for severe illness, confusion, breathing difficulty, fainting, bleeding, or inability to keep fluids down.

Ask whether your destination has current Zika considerations, how to prevent bites there, and what sexual precautions apply to your circumstances. If pregnancy is relevant, ask how recent travel or symptoms should be followed up.