CDC Issues Interim Travel Guidance for Areas with Ongoing Zika Virus Transmission

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim travel guidance for areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission, advising pregnant women and those planning pregnancy to consider postponing travel to affected regions.

This guidance, released on January 15, 2016, applies to travelers visiting countries and territories in Central and South America and the Caribbean where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. The CDC issued a Level 2 travel alert (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

The advisory follows reports from Brazil of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies born to mothers infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. While additional studies are needed to fully characterize this relationship, the CDC is recommending precautions out of an abundance of caution until more is known about the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy.

For pregnant women in any trimester who must travel to these areas, the CDC advises consulting with a healthcare provider before the trip and strictly following steps to avoid mosquito bites during travel. Women trying to become pregnant are also encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to affected regions and to take preventive measures against mosquito bites.

The CDC emphasizes that specific areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission are difficult to determine and may change over time. The agency will update this travel notice as new information becomes available. Travelers are directed to consult the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website for the most current Zika Travel Health Notices before making travel plans.

Zika virus can be spread through mosquito bites and sexual contact. The virus can remain in semen longer than in other body fluids, which affects the timeframe during which males can transmit the virus sexually. Even if individuals do not feel sick, people returning from areas with active Zika transmission should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks after returning to avoid spreading the virus to local mosquitoes.

As of February 6, 2026, there are currently no geographic areas with an active Zika Travel Health Notice. However, countries and territories with current or past Zika transmission are still considered at risk for the virus, though the CDC notes that surveillance practices vary globally and accurate information on current transmission levels may not always be available.

The CDC continues to recommend that travelers determine the Zika geographic risk classification for their destination and review specific prevention recommendations based on that risk category. This includes reviewing any active Zika Travel Health Notices and consulting official CDC guidance for travelers and people living abroad.