Zika is mostly spread by mosquito bites, primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, but it can also be…

Zika is mostly spread by mosquito bites, primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, but it can also be sexually transmitted from an infected man to his sex partners (as Zika is known to be spread from semen). There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. The sickness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. People usually don't get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.

For pregnant women, the concern is that Zika virus can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy or around the time of delivery, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other problems in infants. But there is still a lot we don't know about Zika virus, including how likely it is that Zika virus will affect a pregnancy or result in birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations are doing research to try to answer these and other questions about Zika.

Pregnant Women: How to Protect Yourself

1. Avoid travel to an area with Zika.

Until we know more, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant should not travel to any area where Zika virus is spreading.

If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.

2. Take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Remove or stay away from mosquito breeding sites, like containers with standing water.

3. Take steps to prevent getting Zika through sex.

Until more is known, pregnant women with male sex partners who have lived in or traveled to an area with Zika virus should either use a condom every time they have sex or not have sex during the pregnancy. To be effective, condoms must be used correctly (warning: this link contains sexually graphic images) from start to finish, every time during sex. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral (mouth-to-penis) sex or do not have sex during the pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman is concerned that her male partner(s) may have or had Zika virus infection, she should talk to her doctor or other healthcare provider. She should tell her doctor or other healthcare provider about her male partner’s travel history, including how long he stayed, whether or not he took steps to prevent getting mosquito bites, and if she had sex with him without a condom since his return.

4. See a doctor or other healthcare provider.

Pregnant women who have recently traveled to an area with Zika should talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider about their travel even if they don’t feel sick.

It is especially important that pregnant women see a doctor or other healthcare provider if they develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes during their trip or within 2 weeks after traveling to an area where Zika has been reported. They should tell the doctor or other healthcare provider where they traveled.

CDC has guidance to help doctors decide what tests are needed for pregnant women who may have been exposed to Zika.

Are you traveling to an area with Zika? Share your story, concerns or comments below. 💕