Zika Virus: Current Risk Zones & Prevention For EU Tourists

What Is the Zika Virus and Why It Still Matters in 2025

Aedes mosquitoes primarily spread the Zika virus and were first identified in Uganda in 1947. It came to global attention during the 2015–2017 outbreaks across Latin America and the Pacific Islands, with serious health concerns particularly for pregnant individuals.

Although media coverage has decreased, Zika remains a concern in 2025—especially for travellers from the EU heading to tropical or subtropical regions.

While symptoms are often mild or nonexistent in healthy adults, the virus poses serious risks to unborn babies, including birth defects such as microcephaly. It can also lead to rare complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults.

Where Is Zika Still a Risk in 2025?

Ongoing Transmission Zones (WHO & CDC)

Zika is still active in:

• Central & South America: Brazil, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico

• Caribbean: Puerto Rico, Martinique, Guadeloupe

• Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines

• Sub-Saharan Africa: Nigeria, Angola

• Pacific Islands: French Polynesia, Micronesia

These areas remain favourable for Aedes mosquito populations, especially during warmer, wetter months.

Travel-Related Cases in the EU (2023–2024)

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), recent travel-associated cases reported in the EU mostly involved people returning from:

• Brazil

• Thailand

• Colombia

• Caribbean nations such as the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
  
  

Although no Zika transmission has occurred within the EU, travellers remain the primary source of new infections in Europe.

Zika Virus Risk Levels by Region (2025)

EU travellers should be aware of where Zika virus remains active. The table below summarises the current risk levels, seasonal trends, and key precautions for each region in 2025.

Could the Zika Virus Spread in Europe?

While native Zika transmission has not occurred in Europe, climate change is increasing the risk.

Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) is expanding across southern Europe, including Spain, Italy, France, and Greece. Though not as efficient at spreading Zika as Aedes aegypti, it has already caused outbreaks of other mosquito-borne viruses like dengue and chikungunya.

For now, the risk of Zika spreading within Europe is low, but future localised outbreaks are possible.

Who Is Most at Risk of Zika Infection?

Zika is typically mild, but certain groups are more vulnerable:

• Pregnant individuals: Zika can cause severe birth defects

• Couples trying to conceive: Zika can spread through sex and persist in the body for months

• People with weakened immune systems: May face complications from the virus
  
  

Medical Guidelines

• Men should wait 6 months after potential Zika exposure before trying to conceive

• Women should wait at least 2 months
  

• Use protection or abstain from sex during this waiting period
  
  

When and Where Zika Outbreaks Are Most Common

Zika transmission peaks during the hot and rainy seasons, which vary by region:

• Caribbean & Central America: June to November

• South America: December to April

• Southeast Asia: April to October

Travelling during these months may increase your risk.

How EU Travellers Can Prevent Zika Infection

Prevent Mosquito Bites

• Use insect repellent: Look for products with DEET (20–50%), picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus

• Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, trousers, socks, and closed shoes

• Treat clothing and gear: Use permethrin spray on clothing, hats, and bedding

• Sleep in protected rooms: Choose places with air conditioning or screened windows

• Avoid standing water: Mosquitoes breed in still water
  
  

Practise Safe Sex

Because Zika can be sexually transmitted

• Use condoms during travel and for up to 6 months after returning

• Avoid unprotected sex if your partner is pregnant

• Consult a doctor before trying to conceive after travel
  
  

Zika Travel Health Advice: Before, During, and After Your Trip

Before Travel

• Check Zika alerts for your destination on health agency websites

• Visit a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure

• Pack essentials: insect repellent, long clothing, mosquito nets
  
  

After Travel

• Monitor your health for 2 weeks: fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes may be signs of infection

• Avoid mosquito bites for at least 3 weeks after returning

• Seek medical attention if you develop symptoms or are pregnant
  
  

How Zika Virus Is Diagnosed and Treated

Symptoms of Zika

Most people experience mild symptoms lasting 2–7 days:

• Low fever

• Skin rash

• Joint or muscle pain

• Red eyes

• Headache
  
  

Getting Diagnosed

Doctors may recommend:

• Blood or urine tests during the first week of illness

• Antibody tests if more time has passed

• Ultrasounds or additional tests during pregnancy

Zika symptoms can resemble dengue or chikungunya, so testing is important for accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

There’s no antiviral drug for Zika. Most people recover with:

• Rest

• Fluids

• Paracetamol (avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out)
  
  

Seek immediate care if symptoms worsen or persist.

Safe Travel Tips and Final Advice on Zika Prevention

Zika virus is no longer making headlines, but it hasn’t disappeared. For EU travellers heading to parts of Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, or Southeast Asia, the risk remains—especially for those who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Simple precautions like insect repellent, long clothing, mosquito netting, and safe sex can make all the difference. Planning your trip around lower-risk times and staying informed about current outbreaks can also help you avoid infection.

If you're unsure whether it's safe to travel or if you feel unwell after your trip, Mobi Doctor connects you with licensed EU doctors online—no waiting rooms, no long delays. Whether it's for peace of mind or managing symptoms, professional guidance is just a few clicks away.

Travelling smart doesn’t mean cancelling your holiday—it means taking control of your health.