Travelling in Zika Areas: Facts & Travel Advice

Mosquitos

• The Zika virus is transmitted through bites of infected mosquitos from the Aedes species.
• The mosquitos become infected in turn when biting humans that have been infected with the virus.
• These mosquitos bite primarily at daytime, but can also bite at night.
• An infection doesn’t mean that you’ll become ill for sure. Approx. 1 in 5 people who are infected become ill.

From mother to child

• The infection from mother to child is possible during the pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding is considered safe. So far, there have been no known cases of infections through breastfeeding.

Sexual contact

• The virus is not only present in blood but also in semen.
• A man can spread the virus to his partner during sex.
• Read about sex after an infection below.

Blood

• There have been reports of cases of infections through blood transfusions in Brazil.
• Investigations regarding these reports are currently ongoing.

• The common symptoms of Zika are: Fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and headache.
• In most cases the illness is mild and symptoms last for up to a week.
• Most people don’t need to go to a hospital.

• The incubation period is not clear, but it’s believed to be between a few days and a week.

• There’s no vaccine to prevent an infection.
• You can take precautions though. Read about what you can do below.
• People who have been infected are likely to be protected from becoming infected again.

• If you show the symptoms from above, a blood test can prove whether you’re infected or not.
• First of all, you need a lot of rest.
• Drink plenty of water. Your body shouldn’t be dehydrated.
• Your doctor will give you medicine to treat fever and pain.
• Don’t take other medicines. If you have to, always talk to your doctor in advance.
• Avoid mosquito bites, because the mosquito will become infected and spread the virus. See how to avoid mosquito bites below.

• Since the illness is usually mild, volunteering in Zika areas is not dangerous.
• You should still take the precautions listed below and stay up to date.
• Exception: We advise pregnant women against volunteering in Zika areas. There’s a chance your baby will become infected during the pregnancy. The Zika virus is strongly suspected to cause brain defects in babies, however, more investigation is needed.

How to avoid mosquito bites

• Wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers and closed shoes.
• Use air conditioning and keep doors and windows closed.
• Use a mosquito bed net if air conditioning is not available.
• Use insect repellents and reapply as often as suggested in the instructions.
• Apply your sun cream before using the insect repellent.
• It also helps to use permethrin on your clothing, but don’t use it directly on your skin.

Sexual transmission

• Use condoms to prevent sexual transmission.

• The Zika virus usually remains in the blood for about a week. In some cases it can be found longer though.
• There are currently no reasons to believe that an infection is a risk to future pregnancies.

Whether you’re returning after traveling in a Zika area or are concerned about infecting your partner there, consider the following:

• The virus can be found in semen longer than in blood after an infection.
• It’s therefore recommended to use condoms after an infection.
• If you didn’t show any symptoms, you should use condoms for at least a month after coming home (to an area that’s not affected by Zika).
• If you did show symptoms it’s recommended to use them for six months.