Zika | Disease Directory | Travelers' Health | CDC

### About Zika
Many people infected with Zika virus do not get sick or only have mild symptoms. However, infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects.
Zika virus is present at low levels in many parts of the world, and outbreaks can occur. Because there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika, travelers should take steps to prevent getting Zika during travel. They should also take steps to prevent spreading it when they return home.
See [Zika Travel Information](/travel/page/zika-travel-information) for information on countries and territories with Zika.
### How is Zika virus spread?
Zika can spread several ways, including:
1. Through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
2. From a pregnant woman to her developing fetus, or at the time of birth, if the mother is infected with Zika during pregnancy.
3. Through sex with a person who is infected with Zika. Zika can be sexually transmitted from an infected man or woman. But Zika can stay in a mans semen longer than in a womans body fluids. Zika can stay in a mans semen for months after infection and be transmitted through sex during that time.
See [How Zika Spreads](https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/transmission-methods.html). Even if people with Zika do not have symptoms, they can still spread the virus.
### What can travelers do to prevent Zika?
-  Pregnant women should NOT travel to areas with Zika outbreaks (red areas on the [map](/travel/page/zika-travel-information#map)). This is because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
-  Before travel to other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the [map](/travel/page/zika-travel-information#map)), pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy in the next 3 months should discuss their travel plans with their health care provider and carefully consider the risks and possible consequences of travel to these areas. These areas have a potential risk of Zika, but we do not have accurate information on the current level of risk. As a result, detection and reporting of new outbreaks may be delayed.
-  All travelers to areas with risk of Zika should (1) prevent mosquito bites and (2) use condoms or not have sex to protect against Zika during travel. They should continue to take these precautions after their trip to stop the spread of Zika to others back home. See more information below.
### Special Precautions for Specific Groups
CDC recommends special precautions for (1) [pregnant women](#pregnant), (2) [the partners of pregnant women](#partner), and (3) [those considering pregnancy](#ttc):
#### 1. Pregnant women
-  Do NOT travel to areas with Zika outbreaks (red areas on the [map](/travel/page/zika-travel-information#map)) because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
-  Before travel to other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the [map](/travel/page/zika-travel-information#map)), discuss your travel plans with your health care provider. Carefully consider the risks and possible consequences of travel to these areas. In deciding whether to travel, consider the destination, your reasons for traveling, your feelings about the potential risks, and your ability to prevent mosquito bites.
-  If you - must-  travel:
	- Strictly follow [steps to prevent mosquito bites](https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html) during travel and for 3 weeks after your return.
	- Strictly follow steps to prevent sexual transmission during your trip.
	- See your health care provider after your return for routine prenatal care and if you experience any symptoms of Zika infection.
	- Tell your health care provider at each prenatal care visit about any travel and about possible Zika exposure.
-  If your partner travels (to red or purple areas on the [map](/travel/page/zika-travel-information#map)):
	- Use condoms every time you have sexor do not have sexfor the rest of the pregnancy, even if your partner does not have symptoms or feel sick.
[>> More Zika information for pregnant women](https://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/protect-yourself.html)
#### 2. Travelers to red or purple areas on the [map](/travel/page/zika-travel-information#map) who have a pregnant partner
-  Strictly follow [steps to prevent mosquito bites](https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevent-mosquito-bites.html) during travel and for 3 weeks after your return.
-  Use condoms every time you have sexor do not have sex for the rest of the pregnancy, even if you do not have symptoms or feel sick.