What do I need to know before I travel?
Public Health Scotland logo

Fit for Travel Logo

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

Zika virus disease in Brazil

24 Mar 2022

The Brazilian Ministry of Health (in Portuguese) reports continued transmission of Zika virus in all five Regions of the country.

Between 1 January 2022 and 11 March 2022 there were 756 cases of Zika virus disease, which is an increase of 11.5% increase in cases compared to the same period in 2021. The Northern Region is the part of the country most affected.

Zika virus disease is caused by 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. They bite between dawn and dusk.  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.