Zika and Sexual Transmission

Pregnant Couples

The risk of Zika from sex is of greatest concern for pregnant women, who can pass Zika to their developing fetus if infected during pregnancy. Because Zika can cause birth defects, pregnant women with partners who live in or traveled to an area with Zika should protect themselves for the entire pregnancy.

Pregnant couples in which one or both partners live in or traveled to an area with Zika should:

• Use condoms from start to finish every time they have sex or not have sex during the pregnancy. This is important, even if the pregnant woman's partner does not have symptoms of Zika or feel sick.
• Not share sex toys during the pregnancy.
• Take steps to prevent mosquito bites while in an area with Zika. Zika is mainly spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes.
• Travelers should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks after returning from an area with Zika, even if they do not feel sick. This is because you can have Zika in your blood and a mosquito can bite you, get infected with Zika virus, and spread the virus to other people.

Pregnant couples who are concerned that one of them may have Zika should tell their healthcare provider immediately about:

• Symptoms of Zika
• Each partner’s travel history
• How long either partner stayed in an area with Zika
• If either partner took steps to prevent mosquito bites while in an area with Zika
• If they had sex without a condom

Couples Considering Pregnancy

Couples who are considering pregnancy should talk to their healthcare provider if one or both partners live in or traveled to an area with Zika. See suggested timeframes for waiting to get pregnant after possible exposure to Zika.

Others Concerned About the Sexual Transmission of Zika

Anyone not concerned about pregnancy who wants to avoid getting or passing Zika during sex can use condoms every time they have sex, or not have sex. The recommended length of time for taking these precautions will depend on the person's or couple’s situation.

People with a Partner Who Traveled to an Area with Zika

People with a partner who traveled to an area with Zika can use condoms or not have sex. The period of time for taking these precautions depends on whether the traveler is female or male:

• If the traveler is female: Use condoms or do not have sex for at least 8 weeks after her return from an area with Zika (if she doesn’t have symptoms), or for at least 8 weeks from the start of her symptoms (or Zika diagnosis) if she develops Zika..
• If the traveler is male: Use condoms or do not have sex for at least 6 months after his return from to an area with Zika (if he doesn’t have symptoms), or for at least 6 months from the start of his symptoms (or Zika diagnosis) if he develops Zika. This extended period is because Zika stays in semen longer than in other body fluids.

People Living in an Area with Zika

People living in an area with Zika can use condoms or not have sex as long as there is Zika in the area.  If they (or their partner) develop symptoms of Zika or have concerns, they should talk to a healthcare provider.

People who are considering condoms or abstinence should weigh the personal risks and benefits, including

• The mild nature of the illness for many people
• A partner’s possible exposure to mosquitoes while in an area with Zika
• Plans for pregnancy (if appropriate) and access to birth control
• Access to condoms
• Desire for intimacy, including willingness to use condoms or not have sex
• Ability to use condoms or not have sex