UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is closely monitoring the outbreak of the Zika virus and warning about its potentially adverse effects on the health of women and babies, particularly in Latin America. We are also closely monitoring its possible spread to other regions.

UNFPA will continue to lead efforts to promote widespread information about the virus and about voluntary family planning.  Given reported cases of Zika virus transmission through sexual contact, the role of UNFPA as the world’s leading agency on reproductive and maternal health, and the biggest public sector supplier of family planning commodities, including condoms, is ever more pertinent.

Women and girls should be able to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family planning methods, and to protect themselves and their babies if they decide to be pregnant. UNFPA will continue to work with countries around the world to scale up access to information and to a wide range of voluntary family planning commodities so that women can make informed decisions and protect themselves.

The risk of babies born with microcephaly has raised understandable concerns among women including those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There are many unknowns regarding the possible causes of microcephaly. Until we have more answers, WHO published an article called Women in the context of microcephaly and Zika virus disease, which presents many ways that women can protect themselves from Zika infection.

Should pregnant women be concerned about Zika virus disease?

Although symptoms associated with Zika are generally mild, a possible association has been observed between the unusual rise of Zika cases and microcephaly cases in Brazil since 2015.

How can women protect themselves from infection with Zika?

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from the bites of the mosquito that transmits Zika, by:

• using insect repellent: repellents may be applied to exposed skin or to clothing, and should contain DEET. Repellents must be used in strict accordance with the label instructions. They are safe for use by pregnant women;
• wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible;
• using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows;
• sleeping under mosquito nets, especially during the day, when Aedes mosquitoes are most active;
• identifying and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites, by emptying, cleaning or covering containers that can hold even small amounts of water, such as buckets, flower pots and tyres.

Reports have stated that Zika can be transmitted through sex, is this correct, and if so how can it be avoided?

Zika has been found in human semen, and one research study has described a case where Zika has been transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. However, more evidence is needed to confirm whether sex commonly transmits the Zika virus.

Until more is known, all men and women living in or returning from an area where Zika is present - especially pregnant women and their partners - should be counselled on the potential risks of sexual transmission and ensure safer sexual practices. Safer sexual practices include the correct and consistent use of condoms, one of the most effective methods of protection against all sexually transmitted infections.

Should pregnant women travel to areas where Zika virus is present?

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to Zika virus disease. 

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant must determine the level of risk they wish to take with regard to Zika and plan accordingly. In particular, they should:

• stay informed about Zika virus and other mosquito-transmitted diseases;
• protect themselves from mosquito bites (see above);
• consult their doctor or local health authorities if travelling to an area where Zika virus is present;
• mention their planned travel during their prenatal check-ups;
• consult with their healthcare provider for close monitoring of their pregnancy upon return from travel.

What should pregnant women do if they have Zika?

Pregnant women infected with the Zika virus should seek counselling and antenatal care from a medical practitioner. WHO recommendations on this topic are currently under development.

Can women transmit Zika virus to their fetuses during pregnancy or childbirth?

Zika virus infection close to term could potentially be transmitted during childbirth, although this has not been proven to date. Pregnant women in general, including those who develop symptoms of Zika virus infection, should see their healthcare provider for close monitoring of their pregnancy.

Can mothers with Zika infection breastfeed their baby?

Zika virus has been detected in breast milk but there is currently no evidence that the virus is transmitted to babies through breastfeeding. Current WHO breastfeeding recommendations remain valid, in particular exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.

What should women do if they wish to postpone pregnancy because they worry about microcephaly?

• Whether and when to become pregnant should be a personal decision, on the basis of full information and access to affordable, quality health services.
• Women wanting to postpone pregnancy should have access to a comprehensive range of reversible, long- or short-acting contraceptive options. They should also be counselled on the dual protection against sexually transmitted infections provided by condoms.
• There are no known safety concerns regarding the use of any hormonal or barrier contraceptive methods for women or adolescent girls at risk of Zika virus, women diagnosed with Zika virus infection, or women and adolescents being treated for Zika virus infection.

What should pregnant women do if they wish to terminate their pregnancy due to a fear of microcephaly?

• Most women in Zika-affected areas will give birth to normal infants.
• Early ultrasound does not reliably predict microcephaly except in extreme cases.
• Women who wish to terminate a pregnancy due to a fear of microcephaly should have access to safe abortion services to the full extent of the law. They should consult a healthcare provider for accurate information on obtaining safe abortion services.
• In countries with restricted access to and/or limited availability of safe abortion, women should be provided accurate information and counselling about their options including information about reducing harms from unsafe abortion and accessing treatment for subsequent complications.

What should women do if they have been exposed to unprotected sex but do not wish to become pregnant because of a fear of infection with Zika?

All women and girls should have ready access to emergency contraception, including accurate information and counselling as well as affordable methods.