Zika virus: what travellers need to know

What is Zika?

Zika fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by Zika virus (ZIKV). One out of four people may develop symptoms similar to dengue fever and consist of mild fever, a bumpy rash, headaches, joint pain and conjunctivitis, that can last between two and seven days. The World Health Organisation says people affected should drink plenty of fluids, ensure they rest regularly and treat pain and fever with common medicines.

In some states in Brazil where Zika virus has been circulating in recent months, there has been a marked increase in cases of newborns with microcephaly, a condition that causes abnormal brain development, which can occur in the womb or during infancy. According to a preliminary analysis of research carried out by Brazilian authorities, the greatest risk of microcephaly and malformations is associated with infection during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Is it treatable?

There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent or treat Zika infections.

Which countries are affected?

Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname, Venezuela. A map on the Pan American Health Organisation website is updated weekly.

What’s the official travel advice for pregnant women?

Nathnac (the government travel health advisory body) “urges” pregnant women to consider avoiding travel to areas where Zika outbreaks are currently reported. Pregnant women should inform their obstetrician or midwife if they have recently travelled to a country where Zika is known to occur.

If travel is unavoidable, or you live in areas where Zika is reported, you are strongly advised take scrupulous insect bite avoidance measures, both during daytime and night time hours. More information on the WHO website.

What if I am planning to get pregnant?

Women who are planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess the risk of infection with Zika virus and receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures.

If you are trying to get pregnant and have visited a country with an ongoing Zika outbreak, it is recommended that you wait at least 28 days before trying to conceive, even if you have not felt unwell. If you have experienced Zika symptoms during or within two weeks of returning home, it is recommended that you wait at least 6 months before trying to conceive.

Sexual transmission of Zika virus has occurred in a small number of cases. Though this is considered a low risk, if your partner has travelled to a country where there is an ongoing Zika outbreak, condom use is advised for 28 days after his return if he had no Zika symptons and for 6 months following recovery if he experienced Zika symptoms or a Zika virus infection has been confirmed by a doctor. Tailored advice for pregnancy and travel is available at Nathnac’s website as well as from the NHS.

What’s the advice for general travellers?

All travellers planning to visit these areas should seek travel advice from their GP or travel clinic well in advance of their trip and check its website for up to date information on outbreaks.

Should I cancel my holiday?

Only if you are pregnant. If you are you should be able to change your booking free of charge. Last week Thomas Cook announced that it would allow pregnant women and the party they are travelling with to switch to an alternative destination. ABTA said it believed other tour operators would “do their best to be flexible”, and the Latin American Travel Association (LATA) which represents 60-70 UK tour operators to the region confirmed that its members will allow pregnant women to change their travel plans. However, LATA chairman, Byron Shirto, said the opportunity to change to an alternative destination did not extend to women planning to get pregnant.

Will my travel insurance cover me if I have to cancel my trip?

If you are already pregnant and have a doctor’s certificate saying you should not travel, it should be a straightforward insurance claim. That is because news of the rise of Zika and its potential effects is a new development. If you are pregnant and book in a month or two, you may find your insurance company refuses to reimburse you on the grounds that you should have been aware of the dangers, says Sean Tipton, spokesperson for travel association Abta. He adds that the best advice is to always check the Foreign Office advice, which is constantly updated.

• This article was updated on 27 January 2016 to include new information about Thomas Cook’s booking policy.
  
• This article was updated on 1 February 2016 to include latest health advice for travellers.