Many people infected with Zika virus do not get sick or only have mild symptoms. However, infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects.

Zika virus is present at low levels in many parts of the world, and outbreaks can occur. Because there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika, travelers should take steps to prevent getting Zika during travel. They should also take steps to prevent spreading it when they return home.

See Zika Travel Information for information on countries and territories with Zika.

Zika can spread several ways, including:

1. Through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
2. From a pregnant woman to her developing fetus, or at the time of birth, if the mother is infected with Zika during pregnancy.
3. Through sex with a person who is infected with Zika. Zika can be sexually transmitted from an infected man or woman. But Zika can stay in a man’s semen longer than in a woman’s body fluids. Zika can stay in a man’s semen for months after infection and be transmitted through sex during that time.

See How Zika Spreads. Even if people with Zika do not have symptoms, they can still spread the virus.

• Pregnant women should NOT travel to areas with Zika outbreaks (red areas on the map). This is because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
• Before travel to other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the map), pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy in the next 3 months should discuss their travel plans with their health care provider and carefully consider the risks and possible consequences of travel to these areas. These areas have a potential risk of Zika, but we do not have accurate information on the current level of risk. As a result, detection and reporting of new outbreaks may be delayed. 
• All travelers to areas with risk of Zika should (1) prevent mosquito bites and (2) use condoms or not have sex to protect against Zika during travel. They should continue to take these precautions after their trip to stop the spread of Zika to others back home. See more information below.

• Prevent mosquito bites:
  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Always use as directed.
  • Cover exposed skin: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or with window and door screens, or sleep under a mosquito bed net.
  • For extended stays take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside, such as removing standing water. [See more]
• Prevent sexual transmission:
  • Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex—or do not have sex—if you are concerned about getting or passing Zika through sex. This is especially important if you or your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. [See more]

• Continue using mosquito repellent for 3 weeks after your return, even if you do not feel sick. This will help prevent spreading Zika to uninfected mosquitoes that can spread the virus to other people.
• To protect your partners, use condoms—or do not have sex—for at least 3 months after travel if you are a man, and for at least 2 months after travel if you are a woman. If you and your partner travel together, use condoms for at least 3 months after your return. If your partner is pregnant, use condoms for the rest of her pregnancy.

• Talk to your health care provider if you develop common symptoms of Zika, including fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, or muscle pain.
• Tell your health care provider where you traveled.
• Take medicine, such as acetaminophen, to reduce fever and pain.
• Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, until your health care provider is sure you don't have dengue. Dengue is another disease transmitted by mosquitoes that causes symptoms similar to Zika and can cause internal bleeding.
• If you are taking medicine for another condition or if you are pregnant, talk to your health care provider before taking additional medicines.

A blood or urine test can identify Zika infection. For more about testing, see CDC Testing Recommendations.

• Zika Travel Information
• Zika: Information for Health Care Providers