In short: Zika virus is spread mainly by daytime-biting Aedes mosquitoes in parts of the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Most people have no symptoms or a mild illness, but infection in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. There is no vaccine, so the key measures are avoiding mosquito bites, checking your destination's risk, and following UK advice on pregnancy, contraception and condom use during and after travel.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist and based on UK travel health guidance from NaTHNaC (TravelHealthPro), explains the risks and how to protect yourself.

What is Zika virus and how is it spread?

Zika is a virus spread mainly by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same type that spread dengue and chikungunya. These mosquitoes bite mostly during the day, including indoors. Zika can also be passed on through sex, and from a pregnant woman to her baby.

Where is Zika a risk?

Zika has been reported in many tropical and subtropical countries, including parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, South and South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Risk levels change over time and vary within countries. Always check the current Zika risk for each country on your itinerary on the TravelHealthPro country information pages before you book and again before you travel.

What are the symptoms of Zika?

Most people infected have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are usually mild and last a few days. They can include:

an itchy rash
a fever
red or sore eyes (conjunctivitis)
joint or muscle pain and headache

Rarely, Zika can trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition affecting the nerves that causes weakness. If you feel unwell during or after travel, seek medical advice and mention where you have been, because other mosquito-borne infections such as dengue and malaria can start in a similar way and need different management.

Why is Zika a concern in pregnancy?

Infection during pregnancy can cause congenital Zika syndrome, which includes microcephaly (a smaller than expected head and brain) and other brain, eye and developmental problems. For this reason UK guidance advises:

Pregnant women should discuss travel plans with a health professional. If there is a current outbreak at the destination, postponing non-essential travel until after pregnancy should be considered.
Pregnant women who have travelled to an area with Zika risk should tell their GP or midwife when they return, even if they feel well.
If a pregnant woman's partner has travelled, condoms should be used for the rest of the pregnancy.

How long should I wait before trying for a baby after travel?

For destinations with a Zika risk (not those rated very low or negligible), UK guidance advises using effective contraception and condoms during travel and afterwards for:

Who travelled	Recommended period after return
Both partners	3 months
Male partner only	3 months
Female partner only	2 months

This applies even if neither of you had symptoms. Couples planning a pregnancy very soon, including those having fertility treatment, may prefer to choose a destination without Zika risk.

How can I prevent Zika?

There is no vaccine or preventive medicine for Zika, so avoiding bites is essential, both day and night:

Use an insect repellent containing DEET (50% is suitable for most adults and is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding), or an alternative such as icaridin, PMD or IR3535. Apply sunscreen first and repellent afterwards.
Wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs; clothing can be treated with permethrin.
Stay in accommodation with screened windows and doors or air conditioning, and use a mosquito net if you are not in screened rooms.
Remember that Aedes mosquitoes are active during the day, including in towns and cities.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a test for Zika before trying to conceive?

Testing of people without symptoms is not routinely available on the NHS, which is why waiting periods after travel are advised.

Can Zika be treated?

There is no specific antiviral treatment. Rest, fluids and paracetamol can help with symptoms. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers until dengue has been ruled out.

Am I immune if I have had Zika before?

Past infection is thought to give some protection, but you should still follow pregnancy and bite-avoidance advice and discuss your plans with a health professional.

Key takeaways

Zika is spread by daytime-biting mosquitoes and through sex.
Most infections are mild, but infection in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
Check your destination's current Zika risk before booking, especially if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
There is no vaccine; prevent bites and follow advice on condoms and contraception after travel.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Travelling somewhere with Zika, dengue or malaria risk? A travel health consultation at Ready Health in Standish, serving Wigan, Chorley and Bolton, can assess the risks for your itinerary and personal circumstances.