CS262417H

March 28, 2016

CDC’s Response to ZIKA

PREGNANT?

Read this before you travel

What we know about Zika

• Zika can be spread from a pregnant woman 

to her fetus.

• Infection during pregnancies is linked to birth 

defects in babies.

• Zika is spread mostly by being bitten by an 

infected Aedes species mosquito. 

ū These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime 

biters. They can also bite at night. 

• To date, there has been no local transmission of 

Zika in the United States.

• Because the mosquitoes that spread Zika 

are found throughout the tropics, outbreaks 

will likely continue.

• There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to 

treat Zika.

What we don’t know about Zika

• If there’s a safe time during your pregnancy to 

travel to an area with Zika.

• If you are pregnant and become infected:

ū How likely it is that Zika will pass to your fetus.

ū Whether your baby will have birth defects.

Symptoms of Zika

Most people won’t have symptoms or even know they 

are infected with the virus. The illness is usually mild with 

symptoms lasting for several days to a week.

The most common symptoms of Zika are

Conjunctivitis

(Red Eyes)

Joint Pain

Fever

Rash

Travel Notice

CDC has issued a travel notice (Level 2-Practice Enhanced 

Precautions) for people traveling to areas where Zika virus is 

spreading. 

For a current list of places with Zika virus, see CDC’s Travel 

Health Notices: 

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information

This notice follows reports in Brazil of microcephaly and other 

poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were 

infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

Sexual transmission of Zika virus from a male partner 

is possible, so travelers should use condoms.

Pregnant?

• Do not travel to areas 

where Zika virus 

is spreading. 

• If you must travel to 

these areas, talk to 

your doctor first.

• Strictly follow steps 

to prevent mosquito 

bites during your trip.

• If you have a male partner 

who lives in or has 

traveled to an area with 

Zika, either use condoms 

the right way every time 

you have vaginal, oral, or 

anal sex, or do not have 

sex during the pregnancy.

Trying to 

become 

pregnant?

• Before you travel, talk to 

your doctor about your 

plans to become pregnant 

and the risk of getting Zika. 

• Strictly follow steps to 

prevent mosquito bites 

during your trip.

Before you travel, check the CDC 

travel website frequently for the 

most up-to-date recommendations.

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/Travel

Your best protection

Prevent mosquito bites

When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect 

repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrintreated items.

ū Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. 

See product information to learn how long the protection will last.

ū If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.

ū Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are 

intended to treat clothing.

• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door 

screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside 

and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

• Use EPA-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect 

repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.

ū Always follow the product label instructions.

ū Reapply insect repellent.

ū Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.

ū Use a repellent with one of the following active ingredients: 

DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus or 

para-menthan-diol. 

For more information: 

www.cdc.gov/zika