HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Zika virus
Te huaketo Zika
Zika is a virus that is mostly spread by mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus aren't present in New Zealand. But there are outbreaks of Zika in many tropical and subtropical countries.
If you're pregnant and get infected with Zika, you can pass it on to your unborn pēpi (baby). This can cause severe birth defects such as microcephaly. Zika has also been linked to a rare nervous system disease called Guillain-Barré.
If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon, the Ministry of Health recommends that you consider delaying travel to Zika-affected areas. If you're travelling in a Zika-affected area, talk to your general practice team. You should take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Although rare, there have been reports that the Zika virus can be spread through sexual contact, mainly from the male partner. If you're a man travelling in a Zika-affected area, you should take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Also see the advice for men in the first link below about reducing the risk of transmitting the Zika virus to a female partner.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Centers for Disease Control and prevention – Avoid bug bites
This page has information about avoiding insect bites to reduce the risk of catching diseases like the Zika virus.
- Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Zika virus
Detailed information about the Zika virus.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIZIK-242305
