Zika Virus - What Bug Repellent is Safe to Use While Pregnant?

The recent Zika virus outbreak is frightening, especially for expectant mothers. Though the virus itself has mild symptoms, the transmission of the virus from mother to fetus is linked to birth defects in infants. Carried by Aedes mosquitoes, it can also be transmitted by sexual contact.

Protect Yourself from Zika
No vaccine exists for Zika, but by taking precautions, you can minimize your risk of contracting the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging pregnant women and their partners to take strong precautions against mosquito bites.

What Bug Repellent Is Safe to Use When You’re Pregnant?
No repellent is right every time, and no repellent is 100% effective. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), which specializes in research on toxic chemicals, has published a complete guide to Bug Repellents in the Age of Zika.
Find the best mosquito repellent for you – EWG’s Guide to the safest BUG Repellents

Avoid Travel to Certain Areas
The Zika virus has not spread to most of the US, however, all known cases of Zika in the United States are due to travel. The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid travel, especially to areas with known outbreaks of the Zika virus. If you’re trying to get pregnant, both you and your partner should avoid travel.

If you have recently traveled, schedule a visit with your OB-GYN. Your healthcare provider can test for the virus, even if you’re not symptomatic. The Zika virus stays in the blood for about a week, and semen for slightly longer. Based on current information, Zika causes no risk to future pregnancies once it has run its course.

Learn more about Zika safety and symptoms.