Zika virus in pregnancy

What is the Zika virus and how can it affect a baby in pregnancy?

The Zika virus is carried, similarly to the tropical disease malaria, mainly by mosquitoes. For most people the Zika virus is not harmful but it may be more serious for pregnant women as there's evidence that it can cause birth defects, in particular abnormally small heads.

Symptoms of a Zika virus infection

Most people will have very few to no symptoms at all. If you do experience symptoms they are usually mild and will only last around 2-7 days. The most common symptoms are:

• A rash
• Itching over the body
• A high temperature
• A headache
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Conjunctivits
• Lower back pain
• Pain behind the eyes

Testing for Zika virus

If you're currently experiencing any of the above symptoms you should visit your GP immediately who will decide if an investigation is necessary. Investigations may include a blood test and an ultrasound if you're pregnant. But please note screening tests for Zika are not available for those without these symptoms.

Recordings of the Zika Virus

Infections of the Zika virus have mainly been recorded in Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Since 2015, infections have been reported in the following countries:

• South America,
• Some territories in the US
• The Caribbean
• Pacific Islands
• Singapore
• Cape Verde islands

Whilst it’s reported in these countries, the Zika virus does not naturally occur in the UK.

The Risks of Zika virus

The World Health Organisation has recognised that if the Zika virus infection is contracted during pregnancy, it can cause serious harm to the unborn child. A serious complication of the Zika virus infection that has lifelong consequences is Microcephaly, which is a congenital brain abnormality.

Those countries that have recorded current or past Zika Virus transmission have been given one of three risk ratings, which include: high, moderate or low.

Risks When Travelling

When travelling, many GP surgeries have a travel clinic, or your pharmacist may be able to advise you about the risks at the destinations that you may intend to travel to.

Pregnant women are advised to postpone non-essential travel to areas with high and moderate risk of the Zika Virus transmission until after pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman needs to travel to a country that is at risk of the Zika transmission, then you should be aware of the symptoms and signs that may be present if you contract the virus.

If a pregnant woman has travelled to an area that is at risk, and then develops an illness that raises the suspicion of Zika virus infection, they should consult their GP immediately.

Zika virus Treatment When Travelling

Also, if a pregnant woman has to travel to a specific area where the Zika Virus is a risk, then appropriate protection should be used. As the Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes, an application of insect repellent containing 505 DEET will help repel mosquitos for approximately 10 hours. Insect repellents with higher concentrations of DEET are not recommended for pregnant women.

There is also a risk that the Zika virus can be transmitted through sex. So in areas where the Zika virus transmission is possible, or is at risk, you should consider using the appropriate protection.

For more information on the Zika virus, including areas affected, please go to:  www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus opens in a new tab/window

Advice for pregnant women

It's important to discuss any travel plans with your GP, practice nurse or travel clinic. If your travelling is unavoidable, you should take extra care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. If you and your partner are currently in an area with a risk of Zika virus transmission, it's important to use condoms during vaginal, anal or oral sex while travelling and for the duration o your pregnancy. If you're pregnant and have recently returned from a country wish a risk of Zika virus tramission, see your GP or midwife and mention where you have been - even if you haven't been feeling unwell.

Advice for women trying to get pregnant

If you're currently trying to get pregnant, it's important to discuss your travel plans with your GP, practice nurse or travel clinic. You should also take special care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. On returning back to the UK you shoud avoid falling pregnant for a further two months, if only you travelled. If both you and your partner travelled you should wait three months.

If you've experienced the Zika symptoms within two weeks of returning home, it's recommended that you wait two months after full recovery before you try to get pregnant.