Zika virus: Brits in South and Central America warned not to try for baby

British holidaymakers who have travelled across South and Central America have been warned to avoid trying for a baby if a male partner has just returned from one of the 23 countries affected by the Zika virus.

Public Health England says men should wear condoms for 28 days after returning if their partner is at risk of getting pregnant or already pregnant.

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It says: "Almost all cases of Zika are acquired via mosquito bites. Sexual transmission of Zika virus may have occurred (a single probable case reported), and in a limited number of cases, the virus has been shown to be present in semen.

"The risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus is thought to be very low. However, if a female partner is at risk of getting pregnant, or is already pregnant, condom use is advised for a male traveller for 28 days after his return from an active Zika transmission area if he had no symptoms of unexplained fever and rash, and for 6 months following recovery if a clinical illness compatible with Zika virus infection or laboratory confirmed Zika virus infection was reported.

"This is a precaution and may be revised as more information becomes available. Individuals with further concerns regarding potential sexual transmission of Zika virus should contact their GP for advice."

As of 29 January 2016, a total of six cases of Zika have been diagnosed in UK travellers, who have been to Colombia, Guyana, Mexico and Venezuela.