Zika Virus: What Travellers Need to Know

Heading off to the tropics? If you're travelling to parts of the Caribbean, South America, Africa, or Asia, you may have heard of Zika virus — a mosquito-borne infection that caused global concern a few years ago. But what’s the actual risk today, and who should take extra precautions?

Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding and preventing Zika virus.

🦟 What Is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is spread mainly by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito — the same type that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Unlike malaria mosquitoes, Aedes species tend to bite during the daytime.

While most people who catch Zika will have no symptoms, the virus has been linked to:

• Microcephaly (a serious birth defect) in babies born to infected mothers

• Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological condition, in adults

🧠 Did you know? There is scientific consensus that Zika can cause birth defects and is associated with neurological complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome.

🌍 Where Is Zika a Risk?

Zika virus is now considered endemic in many parts of:

• Central and South America (including the Caribbean)

• Southeast Asia

• Africa

• Pacific Islands

The UK’s NaTHNaC travel health service provides an A–Z list of Zika risk by country, with ratings such as:

• Risk

• Very low risk

• Negligible risk

You can check the latest risk level for your travel destination here:
👉 TravelHealthPro Zika Country List

🤒 Zika Virus Symptoms

Around 80% of people infected with Zika experience no symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur, they’re usually mild and short-lived.

Typical signs include:

• Mild fever

• Skin rash

• Joint or muscle aches

• Headache

• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

• Occasionally vomiting

Symptoms usually last 2 to 7 days.

👶 Zika in Pregnancy

The biggest concern with Zika virus is infection during pregnancy, which has been linked to:

• Microcephaly (small head size)

• Other serious brain abnormalities

Because of this, pregnant women are advised to avoid travel to Zika risk areas wherever possible.

💑 Planning a Pregnancy?

Even if you're not pregnant, you still need to take precautions if you're planning to conceive. Here’s what UK guidance suggests:

🧬 The virus can be sexually transmitted — so using condoms or avoiding unprotected sex is advised for a period after travel.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from Zika

There’s no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika — so prevention is key.

Top tips to reduce your risk:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, PMD, or Picaridin

• Wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers

• Sleep in air-conditioned rooms or under a mosquito net

• Avoid unprotected sex if you've travelled to a Zika-risk area

• Pregnant women should seek pre-travel advice from a healthcare provider

🩺 Need Advice Before You Travel?

At Ready Health Clinic in Standish, we provide expert travel health consultations for individuals and families. Whether you’re:

• Pregnant or planning to conceive

• Travelling to a tropical region

• Unsure which vaccines or precautions you need

…our clinicians are here to help.

📍 Serving Wigan, Chorley, Horwich, and surrounding areas
📞 Call us today on 01257 676001 or book online for peace of mind before you fly.