Zika virus infection in India (Uttar Pradesh)

The BBC reported that at least 89 people, including 17 children, have tested positive for Zika virus infection in a district in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the first outbreak of the virus in Uttar Pradesh. The first case in Kanpur city was detected on 23 October 2021 and cases have since been on the rise, a state health official from Kanpur public health department reported.

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 for Travellers

Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit ZIKV, are particularly persistent and aggressive biters. 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: pregnant women should check with their travel insurance company that they are covered under the policy before booking their trip, 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.