Zika virus is an infection spread by mosquitoes in certain countries. It can also be passed from person to person during unprotected sex.
If you are pregnant, Zika virus may cause serious birth defects and damage a baby's developing brain. Occasionally, it can cause a serious birth defect known as microcephaly. This means that a baby has an abnormally small head.
Microcephaly can cause developmental delays, feeding difficulties and convulsions. It can sometimes be detected before birth using an ultrasound scan.
There is no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika virus. Take special precautions if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and you must travel to an affected area.
Travelling to an affected area
If you are pregnant or are planning to conceive, you should avoid travelling to countries where there is a risk of Zika virus.
If your travel is essential, talk to your GP or visit a travel clinic before travelling.
Countries affected by Zika virus - who.int
Symptoms
Most people with Zika virus have no symptoms at all.
If you do get symptoms, they might include:
- mild fever
- aches and pains
- headaches
- itchy rash
- conjunctivitis (red or sore eyes)
Treatment
There is no treatment for Zika virus, even if you are pregnant.
It is recommended to:
- rest
- drink plenty of fluids
- take pain relief, for example paracetamol
If you have returned from an affected area
Find advice on what to do if you have returned from an affected area and:
- you are pregnant
- your partner is pregnant
- you are planning a pregnancy
If you are pregnant
If you have returned from an affected area, talk to your GP or midwife even if you have not been ill. Your GP or midwife will discuss the risks with you and may refer you for an ultrasound scan.
If you develop symptoms of Zika virus within 10 days of returning from an affected area, talk to your GP. It takes 3 to 12 days for symptoms to develop after infection.
You may need to have a blood test and extra monitoring during your pregnancy.
If your partner is pregnant
Use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy if you or your partner have travelled to an affected area.
If you are trying to get pregnant
If you travelled to an area with Zika virus without your partner, wait 8 weeks after returning before trying to get pregnant. If you were ill with Zika virus, wait for 8 weeks after your symptoms end before trying to get pregnant.
It is important you use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy. We also advise that you use condoms for all vaginal, anal and oral sex during and after your travel.
If your partner is male and he travelled to an area with Zika virus, you should delay getting pregnant for:
- 3 months after his return from the area - if he did not get ill with Zika
- 3 months after his symptoms end - if he did get ill with Zika
Men returning from affected countries
If your partner is pregnant, use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy.
If your partner is not pregnant, delay getting them pregnant for:
- 3 months after returning from the area - if you do not have Zika
- 3 months after symptoms end - if you get ill with Zika