National Health Advisory: Updated Advice Regarding Pregnancy and Zika Virus 4 Jul 2016

Following further research regarding the impact of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, the Ministry of Health has updated its advice for women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant in the near term and are considering travel to Zika-affected areas.

Following further research regarding the impact of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, the Ministry of Health has updated its advice for women who are pregnant or who plan to become pregnant in the near term and are considering travel to Zika-affected areas. This advice is in accord with that of the World Health Organisation.

The updated advice is as follows:

The Ministry of Health recommends that women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near term should defer travel to areas with Zika virus present. If travel is essential, if possible delay pregnancy if travelling to these areas.

This advice will be present on all Ministry websites and has been added to the Interim Guidance for Health Professionals document available here: http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/zika-virus.