"Is it True That You Can't Try to Conceive for Six Months After Visiting the Maldives? What You Should Know About Zika Virus Infection"

2021.07.06 published

About Zika Virus Infection

Have you heard of Zika Virus Infection (commonly known as Zika fever)?

I had heard of it vaguely, but I didn't know much about it...

Recently, I heard that if you contract Zika Virus Infection, it can "affect fetal microcephaly," and I thought it was important information for women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or considering trying to conceive....!

This is because Zika Virus Infection is a virus that is still occurring in places popular for honeymoon trips, such as the Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Fiji, Vietnam, and Peru.

(There have been no reported cases in Japan)

I felt this was something that couples going on honeymoon should definitely know beforehand, so I will explain it in detail.

◆Basic Information about Zika Virus

Zika virus is transmitted when mosquitoes carrying the virus bite humans, and it generally does not spread from person to person. (However, there are cases where it can be transmitted through blood transfusion or sexual contact.)

If infected, symptoms such as mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, and headache may occur.

Of course, not everyone infected shows symptoms, as some may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that go unnoticed.

In most cases, ordinary adults who become infected experience mild symptoms, so there is usually no cause for concern. However, if a pregnant woman becomes infected, there is a possibility of the virus affecting the fetus, which requires caution.

If the Zika virus infects the fetus via the mother (congenital Zika virus infection), it could lead to congenital disabilities such as microcephaly.

Although investigations are still ongoing, I found information stating that "an estimated 5-15% of children born to women infected with the Zika virus during pregnancy exhibit Zika-related complications," which is surprisingly high statistically at 5% to 15%.

Currently,

Pregnant women are advised not to travel to areas where Zika Virus Infection is present.

Additionally, pregnant women with partners who live in or travel to areas with Zika Virus Infection are advised to either ensure safe sexual practices or refrain from sexual activity during the pregnancy.

This is the recommendation.

➡【Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare】Q&A regarding Zika Virus Infection

What if you are not pregnant but trying to conceive...?

Now, let's consider the situation where you are not currently pregnant but thinking about trying to conceive in the future, which also requires attention.

On the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's website (WHO's interim guidance), it states the following.

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a. Men and women returning from areas where the Zika virus is present should engage in safer sexual practices or refrain from sexual activity for at least 6 months after their return to prevent transmission of the Zika virus through sexual contact.

b. Couples or women planning to become pregnant who have returned from areas where Zika virus transmission has occurred are recommended to wait at least 6 months before trying to conceive to ensure that there is no remaining possibility of Zika virus infection.

c. Male partners of pregnant women who have returned from areas where Zika virus transmission has occurred should also be advised to engage in safer sexual practices or refrain from sexual activity for at least the duration of the pregnancy.

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The critical part for those trying to conceive is section b: "Those returning from areas with Zika virus transmission are advised to wait at least 6 months before attempting to conceive to ensure that there is no remaining possibility of Zika virus infection."

(Research has reported that Zika virus was detected in the semen of infected males for as long as 188 days, which is why it is recommended to wait at least 6 months.)

In other words, if you travel to an area where Zika Virus Infection is occurring, it is best to refrain from trying to conceive for at least 6 months.

This can be a significant issue for couples in a hurry to try to conceive, as being unable to do so for six months may be challenging.

Can it be prevented?

Currently, there is no effective vaccine against Zika Virus Infection. The only preventive measures are to avoid travel to areas where the infection is spreading or to take precautions against mosquito bites.

◆Areas affected by Zika Virus Infection

Here are the areas where Zika Virus Infection is prevalent. Popular honeymoon destinations such as the Maldives, the Philippines, Thailand, Fiji, Vietnam, and Peru are included.

Please check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's page for the latest information.

➡【Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare】WHO's country classification for Zika virus

You may need to refrain from trying to conceive for 6 months after traveling on your honeymoon.

While adults typically do not become seriously ill if infected, Zika Virus Infection poses a significant issue for pregnant women and women considering pregnancy (affecting the fetus).

Some may think, "I’m looking forward to a honeymoon in the Maldives♡ and plan to start trying to conceive right after the honeymoon," but considering the possibility of contracting Zika Virus Infection, it’s recommended to postpone trying to conceive for at least 6 months.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but if you are considering trying to conceive, it is safer to thoroughly research your travel destination beforehand.

➡【Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare】Q&A regarding Zika Virus Infection

➡【Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare】WHO's country classification for Zika virus