Zika virus infection in India (Uttar Pradesh)
09 Nov 2021
The BBC reported that at least 89 people, including 17 children, have tested positive for Zika virus infection in a district in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the first outbreak of the virus in Uttar Pradesh. A state health official from Kanpur public health department advised that the first case was detected in Kanpur city on 23 October 2021 and cases have since been on the rise.
Zika virus infection is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites which in pregnancy may result in severe consequences for the baby.
Advice to travellers
The type of mosquitoes which transmit ZIKV, are particularly persistent and aggressive biters. If you are travelling to a country that has reported ZIKV infection, you must consider:
- strict mosquito bite avoidance measures, especially if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- using condoms and contraception if you are sexually active to avoid the sexual transmission of ZIKV and the risk of ZIKV in pregnancy, during travel and on return for 2 months (if female) or 3 months (if male)
- travel insurance: if you are pregnant, you should check with your travel insurance company that you (and your baby) are covered under the policy before booking your trip, and be aware that the risk of ZIKV in any country may change during the time between planning your trip and travelling
- if there are any additional travel recommendations specifically for pregnant travellers, those who are planning pregnancy and for preventing onward sexual transmission: these recommendations will be listed under the 'Alerts' section of each country page.
Also see the Zika Virus infection page for further information.