Since the beginning of 2023 and up to January 11, 2024, a total of 777 Zika virus infections (ZIKV) have been reported in Thailand. These have been registered in 36 provinces, with the central and northern regions being the most affected. According to the government, 758 people tested positive (including 33 pregnant women), compared to only 190 in 2022 and 63 in 2021. It is currently unclear whether the case numbers in 2023 are due to an increase in awareness and/or diagnostic capacity or an increase in ZIKV circulation.
In December 2023, three Zika cases were imported to Europe after a stay in Thailand.
Optimal measures to prevent mosquito bites around the clock, see factsheet Protection against mosquito and tick bites.
Although the US CDC map (last updated December 8, 2023) does not yet show Thailand as a country with a current Zika outbreak, an increased risk of Zika transmission in Thailand cannot be ruled out. As soon as more data is available, the Expert Committee on Travel Medicine (ECRM) will reassess the situation.
Until further information is available, the EKRM recommends that
- Travelers to Thailand should be informed about the situation, the possible risk of congenital infection by ZIKV and its sexual transmission.
- To prevent possible sexual transmission of the virus, it is recommended to use a condom/femidom during the trip and for at least 2 months after return.
- Due to the risk of fetal malformations, pregnant women should postpone planned trips to Thailand at any time during pregnancy (in case of unavoidable travel, a consultation with a specialist in travel medicine is recommended before departure).
- Women who wish to become pregnant should wait at least 2 months after their return (or that of their partner) from an area with an increased risk of Zika transmission.
For details, see the Swiss ECRM recommendation from 2019: LINK