You’ve finally booked your trip to Mexico—ready to relax on Cancun’s Playas Delfines, explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, and indulge in the vibrant food scene. But then, someone warns you about Zika.
Is Zika virus still a risk? Should pregnant travelers be worried? Here’s the real truth about Zika and how to stay safe while traveling.
How Do You Catch Zika? (It’s Not Just Mosquitoes!)
Zika is a viral infection primarily spread by the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes(1). But that’s not all! Zika can also be transmitted sexually and from pregnant mothers to their babies(1).
Where Are Travelers Still at Risk of Zika?
You’ll find Zika primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, including many parts of the Africa, Americas, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia(1). Popular destinations such as Mexico, Maldives, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Peru, Thailand and more have current or past Zika transmission(2). Check your destination here.
Do You Always Feel Sick If You Have Zika?
Not everyone with Zika has symptoms.. But if you do, you may experience symptoms similar to Dengue symptoms(1). Symptoms of Zika are listed below(1):
Mild Symptoms:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Rash
Less Common Symptoms:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
🔹 How long do symptoms last?
Most cases are mild and last 2–7 days(3). But if you’re pregnant, the risk is much higher.
The Concern About Zika Virus and The Risk For Pregnancy?
Zika Virus and Pregnancy: A Serious Concern
Pregnant travelers should take extra precautions or avoid Zika-risk areas altogether(1). Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to(1,3):
- Microcephaly: Babies born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains.
- Other Brain Abnormalities: Including vision problems, hearing loss, and developmental delays.
- Fetal Loss: Increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
CDC Warning: Pregnant women are strongly advised not to travel to areas with active Zika outbreaks(1).
Neurological Complications: Not Just for Pregnant Women
In rare cases, Zika can cause severe neurological disorders in adults, including(1,3):
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing.
- Brain Inflammation: Can cause encephalitis (brain swelling) or myelitis (spinal cord inflammation).
- Eye Problems: Zika has been linked to uveitis (eye inflammation), which can cause vision issues.
- Low Platelet Count: Can lead to dangerous bleeding problems (similar to dengue fever).
How to Stay Safe from Zika While Traveling(4)
- If You’re Pregnant: Avoid travel to Zika-risk areas. If unavoidable, take extra mosquito precautions.
- If You’ve Recently Traveled to Zika-risk areas:
- Men: Use condoms or avoid sex for 3 months.
- Women: Use condoms or avoid sex for 2 months.
- Avoid Mosquito Bites:
- Use DEET-based insect repellent. (Aedes mosquitoes bite mostly during the day(4).
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Stay in air-conditioned or screened accommodations.
FAQ: Your Zika Travel Questions Answered
🔹 Do I still need to worry about Zika in 2025?
Yes! While cases have dropped, Zika still exists in many tropical destinations. Check the latest CDC travel advisories before your trip.
🔹 What if I get Zika while traveling?
There is no cure, but symptoms are usually mild. Drink plenty of water, rest, and take acetaminophen for fever. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
🔹 Can I travel if I’m pregnant?
The CDC strongly advises pregnant women to avoid travel to Zika-affected areas due to serious birth defect risks.
Zika is still a concern for some travelers, but with the right precautions, you can stay safe.
Have you traveled to a Zika-risk area recently? Share your experience or questions in the comments below!
Disclaimer
The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. This blog may discuss general health topics, but it does not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
(1) https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/infections-diseases/zika
(2) https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html
(3) https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus
One thought on “Is Zika Still a Travel Risk? The Truth About Zika Virus & Pregnancy”
Comments are closed.