Zika virus in Brazil

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has reported 6 313 probable cases of Zika virus between 1 January 2024 and 22 September 2024.

Centro-Oeste: 1 136 cases

Nordeste: 3 285 cases

Sudeste: 965 cases

Norte: 878 cases

Sul: 49 cases

Of these cases, 588 were pregnant women.

Zika virus infection is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites which in pregnancy may result in congenital zika syndrome, with severe consequences for the baby.

Advice to travellers

Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit ZIKV, are particularly persistent and aggressive biters. They bite between dawn and dusk. All travellers to countries that have reported ZIKV infection must consider:

• strict mosquito bite avoidance measures, especially pregnant travellers and those planning pregnancy
• using condoms and contraception if sexually active, to avoid the sexual transmission of ZIKV and the risk of ZIKV in pregnancy, during travel and on return for 2 months (if female) or 3 months (if male)
• travel insurance: before booking their trip, pregnant women should check with their travel insurance company that both they and their unborn baby are covered under their policy if travelling to a country with a risk of ZIKV, and be aware that the risk of ZIKV in any country may change during the time between planning the trip and travelling
• if there are any additional travel recommendations for pregnant travellers, those planning pregnancy and for preventing onward sexual transmission: these will be listed under the 'Emerging Health Risks' tab of TRAVAX country pages

See the Zika Virus infection page for further information.