Zika virus in Thailand
05 Jul 2022
Doctors in the United Kingdom, Germany and Israel have reported a total of 5 cases of Zika virus disease in people who travelled to Thailand between 16 March 2022 and 2 June 2022.
These travellers had visited the tourist destinations of Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Koh Samui, Khao Lak, Bangkok and Chang Mai, which suggests widespread continuing transmission of Zika virus in Thailand.
Zika virus disease is caused by Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread by mosquito bites and in pregnancy may result in severe consequences for the baby.
Advice to travellers
The type of mosquitoes which transmit ZIKV are particularly persistent and aggressive biters. They bite during the day between dawn and dusk. If you are travelling to a country that has reported ZIKV infection, you must consider:
- avoiding mosquito bites, especially if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- using condoms and contraception if you are sexually active during travel, and on your return home for 2 months (if you are female) or 3 months (if you are male): this is to avoid sexual transmission of ZIKV and the risk of ZIKV in pregnancy.
- travel insurance: if you are pregnant, check with your travel insurance company that you (and your baby) are covered under the policy before booking your trip, and be aware that the risk of ZIKV in any country may change during the time between planning your trip and travelling
- checking the 'Alerts' section of the country page for your destination to see if there are any additional travel recommendations specifically for pregnant travellers, those who are planning pregnancy, and for preventing onward sexual transmission
Also see the Zika Virus infection page for further information.