US health agency advises enhanced precautions for Bali travel amid Zika reports

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 travel health notice for Indonesia, specifically targeting the island of Bali. This advisory, released on 7 August 2026, advises travellers to practice enhanced precautions due to reported cases of Zika virus in individuals returning from the region.

A Level 2 notice indicates that travellers should exercise heightened vigilance and adopt additional preventive measures. The CDC’s guidance highlights that the Zika virus is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites and sexual contact, necessitating a comprehensive approach to risk reduction for those visiting the area.

The agency’s statement confirms that cases of Zika are being reported in returning travellers from Bali. While the source material does not specify the exact number of cases or the precise timeline of when these infections were identified, the presence of these reports has prompted the issuance of the current health advisory.

Travellers to Bali are urged to take specific steps to prevent mosquito bites during their stay. This includes using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and staying in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning to minimise exposure to infected mosquitoes.

In addition to vector control, the CDC advises all travellers to take steps to prevent sexual transmission of the Zika virus during and after their stay. This recommendation applies to both men and women, reflecting the known modes of transmission for the virus.

The advisory serves as a public health alert for international visitors. It is important to note that these claims regarding reported cases are preliminary reports from the CDC and do not necessarily reflect confirmed local outbreak statistics from Indonesian health authorities.

Travellers are encouraged to consult the CDC’s full travel health notice for detailed information on prevention strategies and to stay informed about any updates to the health situation in Bali.