Djibouti

Country fact file

General information

The information on these pages should be used to research health risks and to inform the pre-travel consultation. Travellers should check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) country-specific travel advice page (where available) which provides information on travel entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice. Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their health professional at least four to six weeks before travel. However, even if time is short, an appointment is still worthwhile. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities. For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended. All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance. A list of useful resources including advice on how to reduce the risk of certain health problems is available below.

Resources

• Food and water hygiene

• Insect and tick bite avoidance

• Personal safety

• Sun protection

What vaccinations do I need for Djibouti?

Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.

All travellers

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided. Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See details on the selective immunisation programmes and additional vaccines for individuals with underlying medical conditions at the bottom of the 'Complete routine immunisation schedule' document and the individual chapters of the 'Green Book' Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.

Certificate requirements

Please read the information below carefully, as certificate requirements may be relevant to certain travellers only. For travellers further details, if required, should be sought from their healthcare professional. There is no risk of yellow fever in Djibouti, however, there is a certificate requirement. Under International Health Regulations, proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers aged 1 year or over, arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, as determined by World Health Organization (WHO) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, as determined by WHO. According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required. View the WHO list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. There are currently no polio vaccine requirements for travellers who intend to visit Djibouti for four weeks or more but this could change in the coming months, please monitor this page for updates. See 'Some travellers' section below for further details on polio vaccine.

Most travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person. Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease can be more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months.

Prevention

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis A vaccination

As hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated and affords long-lasting protection, it is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.

Hepatitis A in brief

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released from Clostridium tetani bacteria and occurs worldwide. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch.

Prevention

Travellers should thoroughly clean all wounds and seek medical attention for injuries such as animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil.

Tetanus vaccination

Travellers should have completed a tetanus vaccination course according to the UK schedule. If travelling to a country or area where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously.

Country-specific information on medical facilities may be found in the 'health' section of the FCDO foreign travel advice pages.

Tetanus in brief

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Previous typhoid illness may only partially protect against re-infection.

Prevention

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Typhoid vaccination

Oral and injectable typhoid vaccinations are available.

Typhoid in brief

Some travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which bite mainly during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness and can cause severe joint and muscles pains which usually improve in 1–2 weeks but may persist for months or years. It is rarely fatal. There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. Information on current outbreaks, where available, will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Prevention

Travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours.

Chikungunya vaccination

Vaccination may be considered for individuals aged 12 years of age and over who are: travelling to regions with a current chikungunya outbreak, long-term or frequent travellers to regions with an increased risk of chikungunya, exposed to the chikungunya virus through their work, such as laboratory staff working with the virus. Detailed advice about the use and contraindications of the available vaccines will be available in the green book chikungunya chapter in the coming months. For now, please see the JCVI news item and chikungunya in brief.

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food and water. Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea although mild infections are common. Most travellers are at low risk.

Prevention

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Cholera vaccination

This oral vaccine is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk. This includes: aid workers, those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care, those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial.

Cholera in brief

Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas. There is a risk of dengue in this country. Information on current outbreaks, where available, will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Prevention

Travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours.

Dengue vaccination

Vaccination can be considered for individuals aged 4 years of age and older who have had dengue infection in the past and who are: travelling to areas where there is a risk of dengue infection or areas with an ongoing outbreak of dengue, or are exposed to dengue virus through their work, such as laboratory staff working with the virus. Exceptionally, vaccination can be considered in those who have not had dengue in the past. In these situations, further expert advice should be considered. Detailed guidance on how to ascertain previous infection is available in the UK Health Security Agency Immunisation against infectious disease the 'Green book'. The final decision on vaccination rests with the health professional and the traveller after a detailed risk assessment has been performed and the potential risks of vaccination explained.

Dengue in brief

Other risks

There are some risks that are relevant to all travellers regardless of destination. These may for example include road traffic and other accidents, diseases transmitted by insects or ticks, diseases transmitted by contaminated food and water, or health issues related to the heat or cold. Some additional risks (which may be present in all or part of this country) are mentioned below and are presented alphabetically.

Biting insects or ticks

Insect or tick bites can cause irritation and infections of the skin at the site of a bite. They can also spread certain diseases. Diseases in East Africa: There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in some areas of East Africa. This includes diseases such as African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), African tick bite fever, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis Rift Valley fever and West Nile virus.

Prevention

All travellers should avoid insect and tick bites day and night. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent these diseases. Further information about specific insect or tick-borne diseases for this country can be found, if appropriate on this page, in other sections of the country information pages and the insect and tick bite avoidance factsheet.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and spreads easily from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Symptoms appear rapidly and include fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise (feeling unwell), cough, sore throat and a runny nose. In healthy individuals, symptoms improve without treatment within two to seven days. Severe illness is more common in those aged 65 years or over, those under 2 years of age, or those who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications of influenza.

Seasonal influenza in Djibouti

Seasonal influenza occurs throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere (including the UK), most influenza occurs from as early as October through to March. In the southern hemisphere, influenza mostly occurs between April and September. In the tropics, influenza can occur throughout the year.

Prevention

All travellers should: Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, avoid crowded conditions where possible, wash their hands frequently, and practise 'cough hygiene': sneezing or coughing into a tissue and promptly discarding it safely, and washing their hands. Avoid travel if unwell with influenza-like symptoms.

A vaccine is available in certain circumstances. In the UK, seasonal influenza vaccine is offered routinely each year to those at higher risk of developing severe disease following influenza infection, and certain additional groups such as healthcare workers and children as part of the UK national schedule (see information on vaccination). For those who do not fall into these groups, vaccination may be available privately. If individuals at higher risk of severe disease following influenza infection are travelling to a country when influenza is likely to be circulating they should ensure they received a flu vaccination in the previous 12 months.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses can rarely infect and cause disease in humans. Such cases are usually associated with close exposure to infected bird or animal populations. Where appropriate, information on these will be available in the outbreaks and news sections of the relevant country pages.

Avian influenza in brief

Outdoor air quality

Poor air quality is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods (e.g. minutes/hours/days) and longer time periods (e.g. years) is linked to many different acute and chronic health problems. These effects are mainly on the respiratory (lungs and airways) and cardiovascular (heart function and blood circulation) systems. Current information on world air quality is available from the world air quality index project.

Prevention

Travellers with health problems that might make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution who are travelling to areas of high pollution should: discuss their travel plans with their doctor, and carry adequate supplies of their regular medication. Take sensible precautions to minimise their exposure to high levels of air pollution. Check local air quality data and amend their activities accordingly. Take notice of any health advisories published by the local Ministry of Health and Department for Environment, and follow the guidance provided. It is unclear if face masks are beneficial at reducing exposure and may make breathing more difficult for those with pre-existing lung conditions. Those who choose to use one should make sure that the mask fits well and know how to wear it properly.

Outdoor air quality in brief

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection. Schistosoma larvae are released from infected freshwater snails and can penetrate intact human skin following contact with contaminated freshwater. Travellers may be exposed during activities such as wading, swimming, bathing or washing clothes in freshwater streams, rivers or lakes. Schistosomiasis infection may cause no symptoms, but early symptoms can include a rash and itchy skin ('swimmer's itch'), fever, chills, cough, or muscle aches. If not treated, it can cause serious long term health problems such as intestinal or bladder disease. Cases of schistosomiasis have previously been reported from this country. There is a very low risk of schistosomiasis in this country.

Prevention

There is no vaccine or tablets to prevent schistosomiasis. All travellers should avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in fresh water. Swimming in adequately chlorinated water or sea water is not a risk for schistosomiasis. Drink water that is boiled, filtered or bottled. Application of insect repellent before exposure to fresh water, or towel drying after possible exposure to schistosomiasis are not reliable in preventing infection. If you have concerns about your risk discuss with your health care provider.

Schistosomiasis in brief

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections spread during sexual intercourse or by intimate contact. Certain STIs can be more difficult to treat due to higher levels of antibiotic resistance and some STIs that are rare in the UK may be more common in other world regions. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting an STI wherever they are in the world. Risk is higher for travellers who: have sex without a condom, have sex with new or casual partners, engage in sex tourism, have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of STIs vary depending on the type of infection; some may only cause mild or unnoticeable symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include a rash, discharge, itching, blisters, sores or warts in genital and/or anal areas, pain when peeing and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, STIs can cause serious long term health issues such as fertility problems, pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications.

Prevention

Using condoms consistently and correctly with new or casual partners is the most effective way to reduce risk of STIs. Travellers can also reduce their risk of STIs by: ensuring they are up to date for all UK recommended vaccines, including if appropriate gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, mpox and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, considering HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) if appropriate. Travellers should seek medical advice and give their travel history if they think they may have an STI, even if they have no symptoms. They should also have a test for STIs if they have had sex without condoms with a new or casual partner while abroad. In the UK, STI testing is free and confidential.

Zika virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which predominantly feed during daytime hours. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported. Most people infected with ZIKV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications and deaths are not common. However, ZIKV is a cause of Congenital Zika Syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. There is a risk of Zika virus in this country. Details of specific affected areas within this country are not available, but information on current outbreaks where available will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Prevention

All travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours. There is no vaccination or medication to prevent Zika virus infection. Women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in this country, and for 2 months (8 weeks) after their last possible Zika virus exposure. If a woman develops symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection, it is recommended she avoids becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following recovery. Women who visited this country while pregnant, or who become pregnant within 2 months after their last possible Zika virus exposure, should contact their GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if they have not been unwell. Please note screening of returning travellers without Zika virus symptoms is not available on the NHS. Couples planning pregnancy in the very near future should consider whether they should avoid travel to a country or area with risk of Zika virus, rather than delay conception for the recommended period after travel. This particularly includes couples in assisted fertility programmes.

Prevention of sexual transmission

Couples should follow guidance on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus and avoid conception as follows: If both partners travelled, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure. Male traveller only, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure. Female traveller only, for 2 months after last possible Zika virus exposure. See detailed guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of Zika virus.

Zika virus in brief

Malaria

Malaria is a serious illness caused by infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dusk and dawn. Symptoms usually begin with a fever (high temperature) of 38°C (100°F) or more. Other symptoms may include feeling cold and shivery, headache, nausea, vomiting and aching muscles. Symptoms may appear between eight days and one year after the infected mosquito bite. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required as people with malaria can deteriorate quickly. Those at higher risk of malaria, or of severe complications from malaria, include pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, travellers who do not have a functioning spleen and those visiting friends and relatives.

Prevention

Travellers should follow an ABCD guide to preventing malaria: Awareness of the risk – Risk depends on the specific location, season of travel, length of stay, activities and type of accommodation. Bite prevention – Travellers should take mosquito bite avoidance measures. Chemoprophylaxis – Travellers should take antimalarials (malaria prevention tablets) if appropriate for the area (see below). No antimalarials are 100% effective but taking them in combination with mosquito bite avoidance measures will give substantial protection against malaria. Diagnosis – Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C [100°F] or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care. Emergency standby treatment may be considered for those going to remote areas with limited access to medical attention.

Risk areas

There is a high risk of malaria in Djibouti: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine recommended.

Recommended antimalarials

The recommended antimalarials are listed below. If these are not suitable please seek further specialist advice. Please note, the advice for children is different, the dose is based on body weight and some antimalarials are not suitable.

Atovaquone/Proguanil

Atovaquone 250mg/Proguanil 100mg combination preparation: start one to two days before arrival in the malaria risk area for adults, one tablet is taken every day, ideally at the same time of day for the duration of the time in a malaria risk area and daily for seven days after leaving the malaria risk area. Take with a fatty meal if possible. For children, paediatric tablets are available and the dose is based on body weight (see table).

Doxycycline

Doxycycline 100mg: start one to two days before arrival in the malaria risk area. Adults and children over 12 years of age take 100mg daily, ideally at the same time of day for the duration of the time in a malaria risk area and daily for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. Take with food if possible; avoid taking this drug just before lying down. Not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Mefloquine

Mefloquine 250mg: this drug is taken weekly, adults take one 250mg tablet each week. Start two to three weeks before arrival in the malaria risk area and continue weekly until four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. For children, the dose is based on body weight (see table).

Resources

• Malaria in brief

• Malaria factsheet

• Insect and tick bite avoidance

• Children's antimalarial dose table

• Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK

What other risks should I be aware of?

There are some risks that are relevant to all travellers regardless of destination. These may for example include road traffic and other accidents, diseases transmitted by insects or ticks, diseases transmitted by contaminated food and water, or health issues related to the heat or cold. Some additional risks (which may be present in all or part of this country) are mentioned below and are presented alphabetically.

Biting insects or ticks

Insect or tick bites can cause irritation and infections of the skin at the site of a bite. They can also spread certain diseases. Diseases in East Africa: There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in some areas of East Africa. This includes diseases such as African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), African tick bite fever, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis Rift Valley fever and West Nile virus.

Prevention

All travellers should avoid insect and tick bites day and night. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent these diseases. Further information about specific insect or tick-borne diseases for this country can be found, if appropriate on this page, in other sections of the country information pages and the insect and tick bite avoidance factsheet.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and spreads easily from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Symptoms appear rapidly and include fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise (feeling unwell), cough, sore throat and a runny nose. In healthy individuals, symptoms improve without treatment within two to seven days. Severe illness is more common in those aged 65 years or over, those under 2 years of age, or those who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications of influenza.

Seasonal influenza in Djibouti

Seasonal influenza occurs throughout the world. In the northern hemisphere (including the UK), most influenza occurs from as early as October through to March. In the southern hemisphere, influenza mostly occurs between April and September. In the tropics, influenza can occur throughout the year.

Prevention

All travellers should: Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, avoid crowded conditions where possible, wash their hands frequently, and practise 'cough hygiene': sneezing or coughing into a tissue and promptly discarding it safely, and washing their hands. Avoid travel if unwell with influenza-like symptoms.

A vaccine is available in certain circumstances. In the UK, seasonal influenza vaccine is offered routinely each year to those at higher risk of developing severe disease following influenza infection, and certain additional groups such as healthcare workers and children as part of the UK national schedule (see information on vaccination). For those who do not fall into these groups, vaccination may be available privately. If individuals at higher risk of severe disease following influenza infection are travelling to a country when influenza is likely to be circulating they should ensure they received a flu vaccination in the previous 12 months.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza viruses can rarely infect and cause disease in humans. Such cases are usually associated with close exposure to infected bird or animal populations. Where appropriate, information on these will be available in the outbreaks and news sections of the relevant country pages.

Avian influenza in brief

Outdoor air quality

Poor air quality is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods (e.g. minutes/hours/days) and longer time periods (e.g. years) is linked to many different acute and chronic health problems. These effects are mainly on the respiratory (lungs and airways) and cardiovascular (heart function and blood circulation) systems. Current information on world air quality is available from the world air quality index project.

Prevention

Travellers with health problems that might make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution who are travelling to areas of high pollution should: discuss their travel plans with their doctor, and carry adequate supplies of their regular medication. Take sensible precautions to minimise their exposure to high levels of air pollution. Check local air quality data and amend their activities accordingly. Take notice of any health advisories published by the local Ministry of Health and Department for Environment, and follow the guidance provided. It is unclear if face masks are beneficial at reducing exposure and may make breathing more difficult for those with pre-existing lung conditions. Those who choose to use one should make sure that the mask fits well and know how to wear it properly.

Outdoor air quality in brief

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection. Schistosoma larvae are released from infected freshwater snails and can penetrate intact human skin following contact with contaminated freshwater. Travellers may be exposed during activities such as wading, swimming, bathing or washing clothes in freshwater streams, rivers or lakes. Schistosomiasis infection may cause no symptoms, but early symptoms can include a rash and itchy skin ('swimmer's itch'), fever, chills, cough, or muscle aches. If not treated, it can cause serious long term health problems such as intestinal or bladder disease. Cases of schistosomiasis have previously been reported from this country. There is a very low risk of schistosomiasis in this country.

Prevention

There is no vaccine or tablets to prevent schistosomiasis. All travellers should avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in fresh water. Swimming in adequately chlorinated water or sea water is not a risk for schistosomiasis. Drink water that is boiled, filtered or bottled. Application of insect repellent before exposure to fresh water, or towel drying after possible exposure to schistosomiasis are not reliable in preventing infection. If you have concerns about your risk discuss with your health care provider.

Schistosomiasis in brief

Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections spread during sexual intercourse or by intimate contact. Certain STIs can be more difficult to treat due to higher levels of antibiotic resistance and some STIs that are rare in the UK may be more common in other world regions. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of getting an STI wherever they are in the world. Risk is higher for travellers who: have sex without a condom, have sex with new or casual partners, engage in sex tourism, have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of STIs vary depending on the type of infection; some may only cause mild or unnoticeable symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they can include a rash, discharge, itching, blisters, sores or warts in genital and/or anal areas, pain when peeing and flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, STIs can cause serious long term health issues such as fertility problems, pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy complications.

Prevention

Using condoms consistently and correctly with new or casual partners is the most effective way to reduce risk of STIs. Travellers can also reduce their risk of STIs by: ensuring they are up to date for all UK recommended vaccines, including if appropriate gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, mpox and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, considering HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) if appropriate. Travellers should seek medical advice and give their travel history if they think they may have an STI, even if they have no symptoms. They should also have a test for STIs if they have had sex without condoms with a new or casual partner while abroad. In the UK, STI testing is free and confidential.

Zika virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which predominantly feed during daytime hours. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported. Most people infected with ZIKV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications and deaths are not common. However, ZIKV is a cause of Congenital Zika Syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and neurological complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. There is a risk of Zika virus in this country. Details of specific affected areas within this country are not available, but information on current outbreaks where available will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Prevention

All travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours. There is no vaccination or medication to prevent Zika virus infection. Women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in this country, and for 2 months (8 weeks) after their last possible Zika virus exposure. If a woman develops symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection, it is recommended she avoids becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following recovery. Women who visited this country while pregnant, or who become pregnant within 2 months after their last possible Zika virus exposure, should contact their GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if they have not been unwell. Please note screening of returning travellers without Zika virus symptoms is not available on the NHS. Couples planning pregnancy in the very near future should consider whether they should avoid travel to a country or area with risk of Zika virus, rather than delay conception for the recommended period after travel. This particularly includes couples in assisted fertility programmes.

Prevention of sexual transmission

Couples should follow guidance on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus and avoid conception as follows: If both partners travelled, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure. Male traveller only, for 3 months after last possible Zika virus exposure. Female traveller only, for 2 months after last possible Zika virus exposure. See detailed guidance on factors to consider when assessing the risk of Zika virus.

Source and disclaimer

This travel health information is based on data supplied by NaTHNaC (the National Travel Health Network and Centre). All intellectual property rights in the data are owned by NaTHNaC. It must not be copied, reproduced, distributed, amended or offered for sale without NaTHNaC’s prior written consent.
Patient.info ensures that this information is reviewed and updated on at least a weekly basis. However, NaTHNaC’s data is accurate only as at the date it was prepared, and Patient.info is solely responsible for maintaining its accuracy and completeness after that date. NaTHNaC accepts no liability for the use of this data by Patient.info or its users.