Zika RNA by PCR in Semen

Zika virus disease is mainly spread by mosquitoes. For most people it’s a very mild infection and is not harmful. However, it may be more serious for pregnant women, as there’s evidence it causes birth defects – in particular, abnormally small heads (microcephaly). Zika does not naturally occur in the UK. Zika outbreaks have been reported in the Pacific region, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, and parts of south and southeast Asia.
It is important that if you plan to travel to an affected area, you seek travel health advice before your trip, especially if you are pregnant.
Testing for zika virus may be useful if you feel generally unwell after returning from a zika virus endemic region, or if you are well but are planning to have a baby.