05 Jun 2018
Zika Virus: country category updates
Implications for pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and their partners
As of 5 June 2018, the following changes have been made to the country risk category for Zika virus transmission:
High risk
- Nicaragua (previously moderate risk)
Moderate risk
- Netherlands Caribbean islands (previously some islands in this group were classified as high risk)
Low risk
- Hidalgo County in Texas, USA (previously moderate risk)
- Marshall Islands (previously moderate risk)
Summary of current travel advice according to Public Health England / NaTHNaC Zika risk rating
| High and moderate risk |
|
1. Pregnant women:
2. All travellers should avoid mosquito bites day and night. If you experience symptoms suggestive of ZIKV infection, seek medical advice (while the symptoms are still present) 3. Male travellers: if your female partner is pregnant, consistent use of condoms or other barrier methods is advised during vaginal, anal and oral sex to reduce the risk of transmission during travel and for the duration of the pregnancy even if you did not develop symptoms compatible with ZIKV infection if your female partner is planning pregnancy: effective contraception is advised to prevent pregnancy AND consistent use of condoms or other barrier methods is advised during vaginal, anal and oral sex to reduce the risk of transmission during travel and for 6 months after return even in the absence of symptoms 4. Female travellers: avoid becoming pregnant during travel and for 8 weeks after your last possible ZIKV exposure* |
| Low risk |
|
* Last possible ZIKV exposure is defined as the date of leaving an area with high or moderate ZIKV risk, or the date on which unprotected sexual contact with a potentially infectious partner took place.
Further information about the Zika virus and the rationale for the travel guidance are available from Public Health England and NaTHNaC Diseases in brief: Zika virus.
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