Zika Virus - Possible Case and Updated Advice on Sexual Transmission - 3 March 2016 3 Mar 2016

Updated information for midwives, GP's and other health professionals dealing with Zika virus in pregnancy can be found here.

Updated information for midwives, GP's and other health professionals dealing with Zika virus in pregnancy can be found here.

The change from the previous version relates to the advice regarding sexual transmission of Zika virus.

The updated advice is as follows:

There is only limited information available about the risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus, but the risk is considered to be low when compared to the risk of transmission from infected mosquitoes.

Due to the potentially serious implications of transmitting Zika to a pregnant woman, we advise that:

• All men who have travelled to a Zika-affected area and have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity (oral, vaginal, and anal) or use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy, whether they have symptoms or not.
• All men who have travelled to a Zika-affected area and have a partner who is at risk of becoming pregnant should abstain from sexual activity (oral, vaginal, and anal) or use condoms, whether they have symptoms or not. International advice about how long to abstain varies:
  • at least four weeks (WHO)
  • 3 months (Australia)
  • 6 months (ECDC and Public Health England)
  • no specific duration mentioned (CDC).

Possible case of sexual transmission of Zika Virus in New Zealand:

A Ministry of Health press release regarding a possible case of sexual transmission of Zika virus in New Zealand can be found here. 

We will continue to review New Zealand guidance as further information becomes available.

This updated information is also available on the Ministry of Health website at:
http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/zika-virus