Zika virus in the Americas and Caribbean

04 Jan 2023

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports continued transmission of Zika virus in countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

The following countries have reported cases in 2022:

Bolivia: 173 cases
Brazil: 29 117 cases (4 deaths)
Colombia: 138 cases
Costa Rica: 45 cases
Guatemala: 1 685 cases
Honduras: 37 cases
Mexico: 12 cases
Nicaragua: 4 caes
Panama: 3 cases
Paraguay: 785 cases
Peru: 20 cases
Puerto Rico: 20 cases
Venezuela: 9 cases

Zika virus infection is caused by Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites and 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 during the day between dawn and dusk.   If you are travelling to a country that has reported ZIKV infection, you must consider:

• avoiding mosquito bites, especially if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy 
• using condoms and contraception if you are sexually active during travel, and on your return home for 2 months (if you are female) or 3 months (if you are male): this is to avoid sexual transmission of ZIKV and the risk of ZIKV in pregnancy
• travel insurance: if you are pregnant, 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
• checking the 'Alerts' section of the country page for your destination to see if there are any additional travel recommendations specifically for pregnant travellers, those who are planning pregnancy and for preventing onward sexual transmission

 Also see the Zika Virus infection page for further information.