Zika Test
What is Zika?
Zika is a virus, which is mainly spread by mosquitoes.
How serious is Zika virus infection?
For most people it is a very mild infection and isn't harmful. However, it may be more serious for pregnant women, as there is evidence it causes birth defects – in particular, abnormally small heads (microcephaly). Zika is not normally found in the UK. Zika outbreaks have been reported in the Pacific Islands, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and parts of South and South East Asia.
What should I do if I plan to travel abroad during or before a planned pregnancy / IVF treatment?
If you plan to travel to an affected area, seek travel health advice before your trip. Travel advice is tailored to you and based on the level of risk (high, moderate or low) for the country you're travelling to. It is recommended that pregnant women should:
- postpone non-essential travel to areas at high risk of Zika virus transmission
- consider postponing non-essential travel to areas at moderate risk of Zika virus transmission until after pregnancy
High-risk areas are where there are current outbreaks of Zika virus, or where there has been an increase in the number of cases acquired locally through mosquito bites.
What if I have travelled to any of the areas with a risk factor before trying for a pregnancy?
Women are advised to avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in an area with high or moderate risk of Zika virus transmission. On returning to the UK, women should avoid conceiving naturally, donating gametes or proceeding with fertility treatment for a further 8 weeks if they travelled alone. If they travelled with their male partner the treatment should be postponed for 6 months.
What is Zika test?
Having travelled to any of the countries affected, following their entry back into the UK, couples can have a blood screening test to exclude any evidence of Zika virus. If the result is negative, then treatment can proceed without any delay.
