Zika Virus — Travel Advisory

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes — the same daytime-biting species that carry dengue and chikungunya. For most people, Zika causes a mild illness or no symptoms at all. The primary concern is for pregnant women: Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe congenital abnormalities in the fetus, most notably microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain), and other neurological damage. Zika can also be transmitted sexually.

Zika is endemic in parts of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Belize), South America (Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Guyana, Suriname), the Caribbean (Jamaica, Trinidad, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba), Mexico, parts of sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia), and Pacific Island nations. Check the Public Health Agency of Canada's travel advisories for current outbreak areas before your trip.

Yes — Zika can be transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can persist in semen for up to 3 months after infection. Zika can also be found in vaginal fluids, blood, and other body fluids. Health Canada recommends that travelers returning from Zika areas use condoms or avoid sexual activity for 3 months (if male) or 2 months (if female) after return, to protect any pregnant partner. Couples planning pregnancy should discuss timing with a healthcare provider.

No — there is currently no licensed vaccine for Zika virus. Prevention relies entirely on avoiding mosquito bites (DEET, long clothing, screened accommodation), avoiding travel to Zika areas if pregnant, and sexual transmission precautions after return. Our travel medicine physician can provide personalized Zika risk assessment and prevention advice.

If you traveled to a Zika risk area during pregnancy, contact your obstetrician or midwife immediately for follow-up care including fetal ultrasound monitoring. Report your travel history and any illness (fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes) to your healthcare provider. Zika testing may be recommended. Our travel medicine physician can provide advice and refer you appropriately. Early and regular prenatal monitoring is critical for anyone with potential Zika exposure during pregnancy.

Not necessarily — for most healthy, non-pregnant travelers, Zika poses minimal personal health risk since symptoms are mild or absent. The main concern is for pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy. If you are not pregnant and not planning pregnancy in the near term, proper mosquito bite prevention (DEET, long clothing, screened accommodation) is usually sufficient. Our travel medicine physician provides personalized Zika risk assessments tailored to your travel plans and personal health situation.