Updated: 3/30/2017
Last year, we shared and have been updating an interview with WorldStrides Medical Director Dr. Christopher Lang addressing traveler concerns about the Zika virus. Since then, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies have learned more about Zika, and we would like to provide an update for those planning to travel to affected areas.
What is Zika?
The Zika virus is a disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Most cases are contracted after the patient is bitten by a mosquito that previously fed on someone else carrying the Zika virus. In rare cases, an infected mother can pass the virus to her unborn child, and research has suggested that the virus can also be transmitted sexually in certain instances.
In general, Zika virus infections are mild, and the CDC reports that only about one in five people infected with Zika virus ever get sick. These people usually suffer mild flu-like symptoms that last for a few days to a week before going away on their own.
What the government is saying
The CDC recently provided an update on their travel recommendations and a list of affected areas. They maintain that women who are pregnant should consider postponing travel to Zika-affected areas or consult with their doctor before departure to discuss specific enhanced mosquito bite prevention. There are no recommendations for modified travel for other travelers.The Canadian Government also updated their travel health notice recommendations on August 19 with similar statements to the CDC.
Areas with Zika according to the CDC.
How you can protect yourself
If you are planning a trip to any Zika-affected country, follow these guidelines:
- Visit a doctor—ideally, a doctor specializing in travel medicine—before departure to discuss the relative threat of Zika virus infection at your destination. This is especially important if you are pregnant or may become pregnant while traveling.
- Use insect repellent containing at least 20-percent or more DEET. Non-DEET alternatives are also available—such as picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535—but the concentration of these products must be higher than DEET to provide the same level of protection. Be sure to follow the specific instructions on the repellent you use, to make sure that you maintain protection at all times.
- As weather permits, wear long sleeves, pants, socks and a hat to cover as much skin as is comfortable. The more skin you cover with clothing, the less opportunity you provide disease-carrying mosquitoes to bite you. Clothing can also be treated with permethrin to provide additional protection against mosquitoes.
- Prevent mosquitoes from coming indoors. Whenever possible, stay in rooms that are air-conditioned or that have intact window and door screens. Routinely check rooms for mosquitoes, and use indoor insecticide sprays and traps to kill any mosquitoes that come inside.
- Monitor yourself for signs of fever, vomiting, and aches and pains. If you get sick while traveling in a Zika-affected area or shortly after returning home—especially if you were pregnant during your trip or suspect you might have become pregnant—seek medical attention, and be sure to inform your doctor that you may have been exposed to Zika virus.
We hope you find this information helpful and, as always, please continue to contact your Explorica program consultant if you have further questions.
Additional Resources from our partners at iJet
A to Zika: Everything you need to know about Zika Virus
Video: Zika Virus – What to know before you go
Fact sheet: Zika Virus
Other Resources
Government of Canada – Zika virus fact sheet
Government of Canada – Recommendations on the prevention and treatment of Zika Virus
World Health Organization – Zika virus fact sheet
World Health Organization – Zika virus infection, list of countries
Pan American Health Organization – Zika virus infection
Source material
ijet.com
worldstrides.com
cdc.gov