Archives
Select Archives- March 2021
- July 2019
- June 2019
- May 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- July 2018
- June 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- June 2017
- April 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- October 2016
- September 2016
The Zika virus has become a problem for travelers across the globe and it doesn’t matter where they are traveling from, but instead their target destination. Recent outbreaks have led thousands of travelers to alter their plans ahead of time and even cancel them in the fear of contracting Zika. Here are six things every traveler should know about Zika before taking that next trip.
What are the At-Risk Countries?
Not all travel plans have to be changed or canceled when it comes to Zika. The virus continues to spread in warm-weather climates in the Caribbean and Latin America. Zika is carried by the Aedes mosquito, which tends to bite more during the daytime than at night. Brazil has been the hotbed for the Zika virus, but more than 30 cases have been reported in the United States by people who returned to the country after traveling to warm-weather climates. The climates in Florida, Hawaii and along the Gulf Coast have been warm enough for the mosquitos to live.
Latest Developments
The latest developments surround pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant. The Zika virus has been found to cause birth defects, which is why travel warnings have been issued for women who are pregnant or want to get pregnant and are considering traveling to Latin America or the Caribbean. $1.8 billion in emergency funding was authorized by the White House in 2016 to combat the virus.
Current Travel Advisories
The current travel advisories related to the Zika virus surround pregnant women. The warnings advise against pregnant women traveling to Latin American and the Caribbean. The CDC recommends pregnant women who have traveled to any country where Zika was present in the last three months consult with their physician.
How to Prevent Contraction of Zika
Right now there is no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus. The best way to prevent contraction is to avoid traveling to affected countries. If you decide to travel, bring plenty of bug spray, mosquito nets and clothing that covers most of your body.
Symptoms of the Zika Virus
The symptoms of the Zika virus are flu-like in the worst cases. In almost 80 percent of cases, people infected do not exhibit any symptoms. If it is a bad case, symptoms will begin to show between the third and seventh day that the virus is in the body.
Should I Cancel the Trip?
The issue with Zika has not reached dire levels where you should consider canceling your trip. Educating yourself on the virus and how to prevent contraction can make your trip less stressful. Consider purchasing trip insurance when you book the vacation in the event you decide to cancel.
Contact the experienced staff at Tick Killz today for more information on the Zika virus.