Preventing Zika

For Everyone

Key points

  • You can prevent Zika virus disease (Zika) by protecting yourself from mosquito bites and using condoms or not having sex.
  • The timeframes that males and females can spread Zika virus through sex are different because the virus can stay in semen longer than in other body fluids.
A person opens a male condom package.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. You can prevent mosquito bites to reduce your risk of getting an infection.

Even if someone does not feel sick, people returning to the United States from an area with a risk of Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so they do not spread Zika virus to uninfected mosquitoes at home.

Keep Reading Preventing Mosquito Bites While Traveling

Preventing Sexual Transmission

A person infected with Zika virus can spread the virus to their partner(s) through sex.

  • Sex includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex and the sharing of sex toys.
  • Zika virus can spread through sex even in a committed relationship with a single partner.

The timeframes that males and females can spread the virus through sex are different because the virus can stay in semen longer than in other body fluids.

Timeframes for preventing sexual transmission

Timeframes start as soon as the person returns from travel, even if they do not have symptoms, or from the start of their symptoms or the date they were diagnosed.

  • Males should use condoms or not have sex for at least 3 months.
  • Females should use condoms or not have sex for at least 2 months.

Infected people can spread Zika virus through sex even when they do not have symptoms.

  • Many people infected with Zika virus will not have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms, and they may not know they have been infected.
  • An infected person can spread Zika virus before their symptoms start, while they have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.

Traveling or living abroad?

Cover for United States passport.
First, determine the risk category for your location by checking for an active Travel Health Notice and general risk classification. Then review the specific prevention recommendations for that risk category.

How to protect yourself during sex

  • Condoms can reduce a person's chance of getting Zika from sex. Condoms include male and female condoms. To be effective, use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex as well as the sharing of sex toys.
  • Dental dams may also be used for certain types of oral sex (mouth to vagina or mouth to anus).
  • Not sharing sex toys can also reduce the risk of spreading Zika virus to sex partners.
  • Not having sex eliminates the risk of getting Zika from sex.

Testing is not recommended to determine how likely a person is to spread Zika virus through sex.

Pregnant woman holding a condom
Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)