Zika Virus Precautions When Partner is Pregnant and Traveling
If a male partner travels to an area with Zika virus transmission while his partner is pregnant, the couple must consistently and correctly use condoms during all sexual activity or abstain from sex entirely for the duration of the pregnancy. 1
Critical Recommendation for Pregnant Partners
This is a non-negotiable, pregnancy-long precaution that applies regardless of whether the traveling partner develops symptoms or remains asymptomatic. 1 The rationale is straightforward:
- Zika virus causes severe birth defects, including microcephaly and other serious brain anomalies when transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. 2, 3, 4
- Sexual transmission is well-documented, with 52 confirmed cases of sexual transmission reported in the United States by July 2018, including transmission from men to women. 2, 5
- Zika virus persists in semen for months after infection, far longer than in blood, making sexual transmission a prolonged risk even after the traveler returns home. 2
Practical Implementation
Condom Use Requirements
- Condoms must be used for all types of sexual activity (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) throughout the entire pregnancy. 1, 5
- Consistent and correct use means using condoms from start to finish of every sexual encounter without exception. 1
Timeline Considerations
- This recommendation applies whether the male partner develops symptoms or not. 1
- The precaution extends for the entire duration of the pregnancy, not just a fixed number of months, because the fetus remains vulnerable throughout gestation. 1
Additional Mosquito Bite Prevention for the Traveler
While the pregnant partner is not traveling, the male partner traveling to Zika-affected areas should:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors. 6, 4
- Wear long sleeves and pants to minimize skin exposure. 6, 7
- Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodations to avoid mosquito exposure. 6, 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Underestimating viral persistence: Many couples mistakenly believe that if the traveler doesn't develop symptoms or if a few weeks pass without illness, the risk has passed. This is incorrect—Zika virus can persist in semen for months, and asymptomatic infection is common (approximately 82% of infected individuals never develop symptoms). 2, 7
Inconsistent condom use: Using condoms "most of the time" is insufficient. Even a single episode of unprotected sex during pregnancy creates risk for fetal transmission. 1, 5
Focusing only on mosquito prevention: While mosquito bite prevention is important for the traveler, the sexual transmission route is the primary concern once the partner returns home to the pregnant woman. 2, 6
If Conception is Being Planned (Not Currently Pregnant)
For couples planning pregnancy where only the male partner travels to a Zika-affected area, different timeframes apply: wait at least 3 months after symptom onset (if symptomatic) or last possible exposure (if asymptomatic) before attempting conception. 1 However, since the question specifically addresses an already-pregnant partner, the duration-of-pregnancy recommendation takes precedence.