Zika virus disease in Brazil

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has reported continuing transmission of Zika virus across the country, with 6,483 cases recorded from 3 January 2021 to 1 January 2022.

Zika virus infection is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites which in pregnancy may result in congenital Zika syndrome, with severe consequences for the baby.

Advice for travellers

Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit ZIKV and bite between dawn and dusk, are particularly persistent and aggressive. All travellers to countries that have reported ZIKV infection must consider: 

• strict mosquito bite avoidance measures, especially travellers who are pregnant or planning pregnancy 
• using condoms and contraception if sexually active, to avoid the sexual transmission of ZIKV and the risk of ZIKV in pregnancy, during travel and on return for two months if female, and three months if male 
• travel insurance, in particular pregnant women, who should check with their travel insurance company that they are covered under the policy before booking their trip, and be aware that the risk of ZIKV in any country may change during the time between planning the trip and travelling 
• if there are any additional travel recommendations for pregnant travellers, those planning pregnancy and for preventing onward sexual transmission, which can be found under the Emerging Health Risks tab of individual TRAVAX country pages and the Alerts section of individual fitfortravel country pages

Further information on ZIKV can be found on the TRAVAX (for health professionals) and fitfortravel (for the general public) websites.

Source: TRAVAX, 27 January 2022