Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infective mosquito (particularly Aedes aegypti). This mosquito does not occur in Tasmania.
On 1 February 2016, the World Health Organization declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Transmission has been reported in many countries and territories and will likely continue to spread to new areas. Countries with current or recent local transmission of Zika virus can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
Pregnant women who become infected with Zika virus can transmit the disease to their unborn babies with potentially serious consequences.
Pregnant women (in any trimester) or those who plan to become pregnant are advised to consider postponing travel to areas with current or recent local Zika virus transmission. View more information for pregnant women.
There have been reports of sexual transmission of Zika virus.
A fact sheet is available on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
This covers symptoms and spread of Zika virus, people at risk, how to prevent infection, how Zika virus infection is diagnosed, what to do if you think you might have Zika virus, and how health authorities will prevent its spread in Australia.
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