Zika virus in South America
02 Apr 2025
The Pan American Health Organization reports continued transmission of Zika virus in South American countries. From 1 January 2025 to 22 March 2025, affected countries are:
Argentina: 497 cases
Bolivia: 31 cases
Brazil: 5 517 cases
Colombia: 3 cases
Costa Rica: 4 cases
El Salvador: 12 cases
Guatemala: 11 cases
Honduras: 2 cases
Mexico: 1 case
Peru: 1 case
Puerto Rico: 1 case
Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread mainly by mosquito bites and less commonly from having sex without a condom. The infection is usually mild, but in pregnancy may cause serious problems in the unborn 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:
- avoid mosquito bites at all time especially if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- consider 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
- check 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.