Zika Virus Infection (Update)
30 Sep 2016
The global outbreak of ZIKV is evolving; the risk of transmission in a country/territory/area changes over time and these categories are regularly updated. The risk of ZIKV transmission in any country/territory/area is categorised as high, moderate, low or very low based on the levels of transmission.
Please refer to the Health Protection Scotland ZIKV transmission table to determine the current risk category of any given country/territory/area:
Advice for Travellers
ZIKV is most commonly spread by mosquito bites, but there is also a risk of sexual transmission. There is a link between ZIKV infection and babies being born with birth defects.
- All travellers should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance, at all times.
- All travellers should have adequate travel insurance.
- Always refer to current advice on the ZIKV Infection page, which includes how to avoid sexual transmission of ZIKV.
- Pregnant women should postpone non-essential travel to countries or areas with High risk
of ZIKV transmission. - Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries or areas with Moderate risk of ZIKV transmission.
- An individual risk assessment is advisable for pregnant women travelling to low risk areas.
- Travellers that develop any feverish illness whilst travelling or on return medical attention must be sought quickly.