Zika Virus Infection in India

On 24^th May the World Health Organisation (WHO) added India to its list of countries at risk for ZIKV infection, classifying it as Category 2 - an area with evidence of virus circulation before 2015 or area with ongoing transmission that is no longer in the new or re-introduction phase, but where there is no evidence of interruption.

Following discussion in the UK, the decision has been made to categorise India as a moderate risk country for the purpose of advising travellers. This is aligned to the UK classification of ZIKV affected countries, and means that advice for pregnant women is to consider postponing non-essential travel to India until after the pregnancy.

Since the epidemiology of ZIKV infection is continually evolving, please refer to the Health Protection Scotland ZIKV transmission table to determine the current UK risk category of any given country/territory/area:

• Health Protection Scotland ZIKV transmission table

Advice for Travellers

ZIKV is most commonly spread by mosquito bites, but there is also a risk of sexual transmission. There is a link between ZIKV infection and babies being born with birth defects.

• All travellers should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance, at all times.
• All travellers should have adequate travel insurance.
• Always refer to current advice on the ZIKV Infection page, which includes how to avoid sexual transmission of ZIKV.
• Pregnant women should postpone non-essential travel to countries or areas with High risk of ZIKV transmission.
• Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to countries or areas with Moderate risk of ZIKV transmission.
• An individual risk assessment is advisable for pregnant women travelling to low risk areas.
• Travellers that develop any feverish illness whilst travelling or on return are advised to seek medical attention quickly.

Further Resources

• Post travel diagnosis and testing information.
• FAQs on ZIKV infection.