The Statens Serum Institut (SSI), Denmark’s Serum Institute, has issued a strong warning to pregnant women in Denmark. This alert follows the case of a pregnant woman who contracted the Zika virus during a trip to Thailand, which tragically resulted in fetal death. According to a press release from SSI, the woman was likely infected early in her pregnancy.

Zika virus cannot be treated or prevented with a vaccine, making preventive measures particularly important. SSI emphasizes the need for caution, especially for pregnant women or couples planning to have children who are considering travel to areas with known occurrences of the virus.

The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites but can also be sexually transmitted through semen for several months after the infection has passed. Often, the infection is mild and transient with no noticeable symptoms; however, in pregnant women, it can have serious consequences. Infection can lead to damage to the fetal central nervous system or fetal death.

SSI and the Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen) advise all pregnant women and couples who have been in areas with Zika virus to inform their doctor or midwife if they suspect symptoms. Additionally, it is recommended that women planning to become pregnant wait at least two months after traveling to countries with Zika virus before trying to conceive.

Zika virus is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, and it gained significant global attention during the outbreak from 2015 to 2017. During that time, the virus spread to the Caribbean, the Pacific region, and to Florida and Texas in the United States.