Travel and Prevention

Travel and Prevention

Pack Like a Champ.
Pack to Prevent Zika.

 

Empaca como un campeón.
Empaca para prevenir el Zika
(Español)

Plan for Travel

All people who travel to areas where Zika virus is actively circulating should plan ahead to prevent Zika infection. Before your trip, check for Zika travel notices for the area(s) you are traveling to. During your stay and after your return, protect yourself from mosquito bites and practice safe sex.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Use EPA registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2 undecanone.
  • Empty standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets.
  • Visit the CDC’s Prevent Mosquito Bites page for more information.

Preventing Sexual Transmission

  • Zika can be passed through oral, vaginal and anal sex and the sharing of sex toys, even if the infected person does not have symptoms at the time. It can be passed from a person with Zika before their symptoms start, while they have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.
  • People with a partner who traveled to an area with Zika should use the following precautions:
    • If traveler is female: Use condoms or do not have sex for at least 2 months after travel to an area with Zika or for at least 2 months from the start of her symptoms.
    • If traveler is male: Use condoms or do not have sex for at least 3 months after travel to an area with Zika or for at least 3 months from the start of his symptoms. This extended period is because Zika stays in semen longer than in other body fluids.
  • Visit the CDC’s Protect Yourself During Sex page for more information.

Prevention During Pregnancy

  • Until we know more, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised not travel to areas with Zika. See the CDC’s Areas with Risk of Zika page for up-to-date recommendations.
    • If you must travel, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider first and take steps to plan for travel.
    • If your sex partner travels to an area with Zika, be sure to follow safe sex practices for the appropriate amount of time after their return. Visit the CDC’s Protect Yourself During Sex page for more information.
  • Pregnant women who have traveled to areas with Zika should talk to their doctors about whether they should be tested for Zika infection. Visit the CDC’s Testing for Zika page for more information.

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