Local mosquito transmission of Zika virus infection has been reported in Saint Kitts and Nevis, the two-island country in the West Indies.
Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people.
Because Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, CDC recommends that travelers to Saint Kitts and Nevis protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes that spread Zika bite during the day and night. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus.
Some people who are infected do not have any symptoms. People who do have symptoms have reported fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. The sickness is usually mild with symptoms that last from several days to a week.
Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, so travelers are encouraged to use condoms (or other barriers to prevent infection) or not have sex.
Until more is known, CDC continues to recommend that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should not travel to any area with Zika.
If you must travel to or live in one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.
Even if they do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from Saint Kitts and Nevis should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so that they do not spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes.
Travelers returning from Saint Kitts and Nevis who have a pregnant partner should either use condoms or not have sex for the rest of the pregnancy.
People who have traveled to Saint Kitts and Nevis should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after travel to protect their sex partners. Men who have Zika symptoms or are diagnosed with Zika should use condoms for at least 6 months after symptoms start; women with symptoms should use condoms for at least 8 weeks after symptoms start.
Travelers who are thinking about pregnancy should talk with their health care provider. Men who have traveled to Saint Kitts and Nevis should wait at least 8 weeks after travel before trying to conceive or at least 6 months after symptoms start if they develop symptoms of Zika. Women who have traveled to Saint Kitts and Nevis should wait at least 8 weeks after travel before trying to get pregnant, or at least 8 weeks after symptoms start if they develop symptoms.
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