Zika virus in Seychelles

The UK Government has reported a case of Zika virus infection in a traveller who had been in Seychelles.

Zika virus infection is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread mainly by mosquito bites and less commonly from having sex without a condom. The infection is usually mild, but in pregnancy may cause serious problems in the unborn baby.

Zika virus infection is caused by the Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites and 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.