TRAVEL INFORMATION
At this time, there have been no reported cases of local transmission of Zika in California. It is possible for some types of mosquitoes in California to carry the Zika virus and infect people here (known as "local transmission"), but the risk of this happening is very low. In California, Zika infections have been reported in people who were infected while traveling in areas outside of California with ongoing Zika transmission. There have also been reported cases of Zika transmission through sexual contact with an infected traveler. Cases of transmission from pregnant mothers to their developing babies have occurred in California in pregnant women who were infected while traveling in areas with Zika.
Pregnant women should not travel to areas where there is an outbreak of Zika (see the CDC Zika Travel Recommendation Map for more information). If it is necessary to travel to other areas where Zika is a concern, pregnant women should talk to a doctor first about the risks and possible consequences of traveling.
Travel to areas with Zika could include:
- vacationing
- visiting family for an extended period of time
- traveling outside of California for work
Zika is a serious concern for a pregnant woman's developing baby, and infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. Women and their sexual partners who must go to areas with risk of Zika should prevent mosquito bites and avoid having unprotected sex during and after travel.
Couples planning pregnancy who are going to areas with Zika should talk with their doctor first and consider delaying pregnancy.
It is important to use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites while traveling in areas with Zika, even if you are there for a short time. Mosquitoes that can carry the Zika virus are aggressive daytime biters.