Zika and dengue in pregnancy in Singapore: the risks to your baby, safe repellents, testing and partner rules

Zika in pregnancy matters in Singapore because the virus, though usually mild, can cause microcephaly in a small number of babies whose mothers catch it while pregnant, MOH's advisory on HealthHub says. Dengue, spread by the same Aedes mosquito, can also pass to the baby and has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. The protection is the same for both: repellent on exposed skin (HealthHub says repellents sold in Singapore are safe in pregnancy), long, light clothing, a net or screens if you nap in the day, and no standing water at home. If you're pregnant and get a fever with a rash, red eyes or joint pain, see your doctor straight away. NEA reported no new Zika cases in Singapore since 24 September 2026 when we checked, but dengue circulates all year.

What Zika can do in pregnancy

Zika is generally a mild illness, MOH's advisory says, with fever, rash, body aches and headache, and many people have no symptoms at all. The worry is the baby. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) says the virus can pass from a pregnant woman to her foetus and cause birth defects, including microcephaly, a smaller-than-normal head and brain. MOH notes there's no evidence pregnant women are more likely to catch Zika; the consequences are just more serious if they do.

• No test can predict microcephaly, HealthHub's Zika FAQ says, even when infection is confirmed.
• A past Zika infection doesn't raise the risk of birth defects in future pregnancies.
• Zika has been found in breast milk, but there's no evidence it passes to babies through breastfeeding, so you can keep breastfeeding.

Dengue in pregnancy

Dengue is far more common in Singapore than Zika. We found no MOH or KKH page specifically on dengue in pregnancy, so this section draws on Singapore's private hospitals and SingHealth's general dengue guidance. Mount Elizabeth's doctors say dengue can pass to the foetus and lead to low birth weight, premature birth or, rarely, death, and Parkway East Hospital says a mother infected in pregnancy can pass the virus to her baby.

• Fever, a headache with pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint aches and a rash are the usual symptoms, gov.sg says. A blood test confirms it, and SingHealth says it can be done at polyclinics and GP clinics.
• For pain and fever, SingHealth says to avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which affect platelets and raise the risk of bleeding; it says painkillers such as paracetamol may be given instead. Check the dose with your doctor.
• Drink plenty and rest. The dangerous stretch often comes as the fever falls: gov.sg warns that the body temperature coming down below 38 deg C for 48 hours is when warning signs can appear.

Protecting yourself from mosquito bites

Aedes mosquitoes bite mainly in the day, which is why NEA advises sleeping under a net if you nap in the daytime. The basics:

One Singapore page says something different: SingHealth's dengue page advises pregnant women to reduce DEET and apply it on clothing instead. Most Singapore sources, including SGH's doctors and HealthHub, say registered repellents are safe up to 20%. If you'd rather keep DEET off your skin, a picaridin repellent, which SGH puts at the same 20% limit, or spraying DEET on your clothes are both reasonable; ask your doctor if you're unsure.

Our guide to dengue and mosquito protection for kids covers how to apply repellent, NEA's five-step Mozzie Wipeout routine for your home, and repellents for babies, which you'll need once your baby arrives.

Who gets tested for Zika, and where

If your partner has Zika

Zika can also spread through sex. CDA's current guidance for doctors is that a man who has had Zika should use condoms correctly every time, or abstain, for at least 3 months after recovery if his partner is pregnant or they're planning a pregnancy; a woman planning a pregnancy should do the same for at least 2 months. An older HealthHub advisory, reviewed in 2021, gave longer periods: 6 months for men and 8 weeks for women. If your partner is pregnant, using condoms for the rest of the pregnancy is the simplest way to cover both; ask your doctor which period applies to you.

Travelling while pregnant

Zika and dengue occur across much of the tropics. SingHealth advises seeing a doctor familiar with travel medicine before a trip, even if you feel well. Check where you're going, pack repellent and long clothing, choose air-conditioned rooms, and see a doctor if you get a fever after you're back. Our guide to flying while pregnant covers airline rules and travel insurance questions, and babymoon ideas lists trips closer to home.

When to see a doctor

Frequently asked questions

Can Zika affect my baby?

Yes, in a small number of cases. The Communicable Diseases Agency says Zika can pass from a pregnant woman to her foetus and cause birth defects, including microcephaly.

Is insect repellent safe during pregnancy?

Yes. HealthHub says repellents sold in Singapore are safe for pregnant women, and SGH's doctors say DEET or picaridin up to 20% is safe. One SingHealth page suggests reducing DEET, so picaridin is an option if you prefer.

Should pregnant women in Singapore be tested for Zika?

Only with symptoms such as fever and rash, red eyes or joint pain, or if a male partner tested positive. Testing is then free at public healthcare institutions on a doctor's referral.

Is dengue dangerous in pregnancy?

It can be. Singapore's private hospitals say dengue can pass to the baby and has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight. See a doctor for any fever, and avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.

How long should we use condoms if my partner had Zika?

CDA's current guidance is at least 3 months after recovery for men, and HealthHub's older advisory says 6 months. If you're pregnant, condoms for the rest of the pregnancy cover both.

Can I breastfeed if I had Zika?

Yes. HealthHub says there's no evidence Zika passes to babies through breastfeeding.