Travel Information - Zika Virus

Before leaving Canada everyone should always first check with their health care provider/travel medicine clinic to ensure that they are fully apprised of health risks and mitigation of those risks in the areas where they plan to travel. The Zika virus should now be included in this discussion.

The Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, a species which is distributed widely throughout the tropics and subtropics. These mosquitoes can bite during the day as well as at dawn and dusk. Approximately 1 out of 4 infected people develops symptoms of the disease, which are usually mild and can last 2-7 days. Symptoms commonly include acute onset of low grade fever (38.5 C or lower), rash, joint pains, conjunctivitis. Less common symptoms have included muscle aches, weakness, lethargy and headaches. Neurological and autoimmune complications are infrequent, but have been described in outbreaks in Polynesia and, more recently, in Brazil.

Because of possible, as yet unproven effects of the Zika virus on the fetus during pregnancy, including microcephaly, and an observed association between Zika virus infection and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, the Public Health Agency of Canada {PHAC} has issued a travel health notice. PHAC recommends pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant discuss their travel plans with their health care provider to assess their risk and consider postponing travel to areas where the Zika virus is circulating in the Americas.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Zika virus infection.

The following links provide additional information about the areas affected by the Zika virus and prevention measures.