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Zika virus disease in Brazil

27 Jan 2022

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has reported continuing transmission of Zika virus across the country.

From 3 January 2021 to 1 January 2022, Brazil recorded 6,483 Zika cases. 

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.