US Citizens Living in Areas with Zika Transmission
Special Precautions for Specific Groups
CDC recommends special precautions for (1) pregnant women, (2) the partners of pregnant women, and (3) those considering pregnancy:
1. Pregnant women
- Do NOT travel to areas with Zika outbreaks (red areas on the map) because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
- Before travel to other areas with risk of Zika (purple areas on the map), discuss your travel plans with your health care provider. Carefully consider the risks and possible consequences of travel to these areas. In deciding whether to travel, consider the destination, your reasons for traveling, your feelings about the potential risks, and your ability to prevent mosquito bites.
- If you must travel:
- Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel and for 3 weeks after your return.
- Strictly follow steps to prevent sexual transmission during your trip.
- See your health care provider after your return for routine prenatal care and if you experience any symptoms of Zika infection.
- Tell your health care provider at each prenatal care visit about any travel and about possible Zika exposure.
- If your partner travels (to red or purple areas on the map):
- Use condoms every time you have sex—or do not have sex—for the rest of the pregnancy, even if your partner does not have symptoms or feel sick.
>> More Zika information for pregnant women
2. Travelers to red or purple areas on the map who have a pregnant partner
- Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel and for 3 weeks after your return.
- Use condoms every time you have sex—or do not have sex— for the rest of the pregnancy, even if you do not have symptoms or feel sick.
>> More information about protecting against Zika during pregnancy
3. Travelers to red or purple areas on the map considering pregnancy
- Talk to your health care provider about your pregnancy plans and possible Zika risk before travel.
- Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel and for 3 weeks after your return.
- If you’re a couple traveling together or a man traveling without your partner: Wait at least 3 months after you return (or from the start of symptoms, if the man develops symptoms) before trying to conceive. During that time, use condoms or do not have sex to prevent passing Zika to your partner.
- If you’re a woman (and your male partner does not travel): Wait at least 2 months after you return (or from the start of symptoms, if you develop symptoms) before trying to conceive. During that time, use condoms or do not have sex to prevent passing Zika to your partner.
Men are advised to wait longer because Zika can stay in semen longer than in other body fluids and can be spread to partners during that time.
>> More Zika information for those considering pregnancy
Quelle: CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)