The Centre of Disease Control (CDC) has issued an official health advisory and travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. This list is being updated frequently and further spread to other countries in the region is likely. Please check the Pan American Health Organization website for an up to date list.
The Medical Officer of Health recommends that pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant avoid travel to areas where Zika virus is being transmitted. Women travelling to these areas should avoid becoming pregnant for 28 days after leaving the risk area. Zika virus can be transmitted sexually so if a woman’s partner has travelled to an area with active Zika virus they re advised to use condoms for 28 days following their return from the area.