By Dr Richard RobbinsThrough July 21st, over 400 pregnant women in the USA (not including US territories where there are another 400) contracted the Zika virus. As best we know, ALL of these patients got their Zika in a Zika zone of transmission. Please refer to the CDC for active Zika territories http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html.
Zika symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain or eye redness. However, Zika often has no symptoms at all.
Not pregnant?
If you travel to a Zika-zone of transmission and develop NO Zika symptoms during your trip or upon your return, do your best to not get pregnant on your trip AND for the first 8 weeks after you return.
Of course, your male significant other might have gotten Zika and you’ll want to avoid the risk that he then gives it to you back her in the US. You should use condoms for 8 weeks for any sexual encounter.
Pregnant?
Why in the world would you want to travel to a Zika zone? That said, let’s start with your man.
If he travels to a Zika zone just before or during your pregnancy, he gets to use a condom for your entire pregnancy.
If you travel to a Zika zone during your pregnancy, you’ll need Zika testing arranged/coordinated through us and your county health department.
