The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a “public health
emergency of international concern” for the Zika virus on February 1, but also stated
that it “found no public health justification for restrictions on travel or
trade to prevent the spread of Zika virus.” Still, it makes sense to take
precautions against Zika if you are traveling to an area where the virus is
spreading. The following are some facts that can help you make informed decisions
about your vacation plans.
· Zika
is currently spreading in parts of South America, Central America, and the
Caribbean. Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Zika may also be
transmitted through contact with infected blood or sexual contact (sexual
transmission can be prevented through the use of condoms).
· Zika
does not pose a major threat to most people, and there are precautions all
travelers can take to minimize their risk of being bitten by an infected
mosquito. Approximately 80% of people who contract Zika have no symptoms at
all. Those who do may experience fever, rash, joint pain, muscle aches,
headache and vomiting. The illness is usually mild and lasts about a week.
· Zika
can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and there have been reports
of a serious birth defect of the brain, called microcephaly, in babies of
mothers who had Zika while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and
birth defects is growing, but until more is known, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends special travel precautions for pregnant
women. Pregnant women (in any trimester) should consider postponing travel to
an area where Zika is spreading.
Right now, the most important protective measures are controlling the
mosquito population and preventing mosquito bites. Here are some precautions
you can take when visiting affected areas:
·
Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
EPA-registered repellents are effective and safe, even for pregnant women.
·
Limit your exposure to mosquitos. Choose lodging
with air conditioning or good screens on the windows and doors. Sleep under a
mosquito net (you can even buy one before you leave and take it with you – look
for one treated with permethrin, an insecticide).
·
Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and
long pants, and treat your clothing with permethrin or another EPA-registered
insecticide.
Talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays travel expert, about the
latest news on Zika. We keep current with all travel alerts and restrictions,
and can let you know about any risk in the areas you’ll travel to. If you want
to change your plans, we can also work with travel providers to obtain waivers
or refunds for you.
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