Travel and the Zika virus has us concerned about our next trip. The news each day informs us about the Zika Virus and how it is “spreading explosively,” according to the World Health Organization.   Maps show it moving North, with Brazil as the epicenter.  With the 2016 vacation season picking up, many travelers enjoy visiting warmer climates during the colder months at home.  The destinations of choice are those in areas with reported cases of the Zika virus.

If you are planning a trip, you may be asking some of the questions below

Travel and the Zika Virus

Q.What is it?

A. It is a virus spread by a bite from an infected mosquito. The host mosquito passes the virus on to a human. Not everyone bitten by an infected mosquito will become ill. On average 1-5 people bitten will become symptomatic. Cold and flu like symptoms are similar to what an infected person may feel. Headaches, joint pain, low fever and a rash are symptoms of Zika virus.

Virus and disease spread via people traveling to and from infected areas.

Q. How is it spread?
A. Zika virus spreads by infected mosquitos. In particular the Aedes mosquitoes.  A person must be bitten by a mosquito which carries it, and all mosquitoes are not carriers.
B. A person infected with the virus can not infect other people via touch or personal contact, such as kissing
C. It can spread by a non-infected insect biting an infected person and passing it on when biting a non-infected person.

Q. Where is it found?
Initially relegated to thousands of cases in Brazil it has now turned into what the World Health Organization has stated is “spreading explosively.”  Twenty-two countries and territories in South America, the Caribbean, and Latin America reported cases.

There are reports of up to 31 cases of U.S. citizens infected with the virus. At this time, those cases are among travelers returning from travel abroad, realizing they are infected once home. Those infected are in 11 States & DC. There are also cases in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Island – U.S. territories.
“Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the USA could see a small cluster of Zika cases, but would likely be able to contain the outbreak, just as it has contained recent outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya, tropical diseases spread by the same mosquito that carries Zika.
According to Facui “We’ve been able to put the lid on those mild outbreaks, with mosquito control and elimination,” Fauci said.

Many of the places identified are the warm destinations we enjoy visiting during winter months.

Q. How do I protect myself from bites?
There are several steps one can take to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
– Insect repellent is your best defense.
– Deet is effective and is found in Off, Cutter, and Sawyer to name a few
– Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) found in Repel is effective
– Skin So Soft is also effective
– Natural insect repellent has not been tests or registered with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
– Always follow the product label for best results
– Reapply every few hours for optimum protection (refer to the product label)
– Apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second
– Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than two months of age.
– Dress infants and small children in clothing that covers arms and legs, cover cribs, strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
– Adults should dress in long sleeves and pants too for optimum protection
It’s important to note there are other virus carried by mosquitoes – Chikungunya and Malaria.

Q. There is concern about Mothers who are pregnant. How are they affected by mosquito bite, why are they in more danger?
– The virus appears to affect the unborn child
– Early pregnancies are more susceptible to being affected by the virus – and susceptible to a birth defect.
– Additionally, small children, those with weakening immune systems and the elderly are likely to have more dramatic responses to bites.
– Here are some things to consider:
– Delay travel to infected areas unless required for emergencies or business.
– If applying insect repellent check with your OBGYN before traveling
– Wear long sleeves for additional protection

Q. What can I do at home to ensure my neighborhood, community and state stay safe?
– Use screens on windows and doors.
– Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
– Use air conditioning when available.
– Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in and near standing water.
– Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, cover pots, or trash containers.
– Check inside and outside your home.

Q. What if I am planning to travel?
– Refer to the CDC’s website www.CDC.gov for updates and information for planning and preparing to travel
– Check with your local public health department. They have the latest information and can suggest precautions
– Keep mosquitos out of your room
– Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially if sleeping outside – Purchase a WHOPES – approved bed net (Like Pramax) which is combat, white, rectangular with 156 holes per square inch, ad long enough to tuck under your mattress
– Treat nets and bed linen with Permethrin to kill an insect.
– Choose accommodations with air-conditioning
– It’s also important to choose properties with screen windows and doors – ask before booking
– Also, ask hotels and resorts about prevention measures. Some properties and cities are conducting pest control spraying to kill mosquito activity..
– Remember that mosquitos can bite any time of the day. Some people believe they only bite early morning or evening, but they can also be inside, on patios and near restaurants where you are eating.
– Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
– Treat clothing with insect repellent
– Bring your preferred insect repellent with you
If you will be outside and walking around on tours, etc., spray and treat clothing with insect repellent this includes shoes, socks, pants, tops, etc.
– Keep an eye out for muddy road spots where mosquitoes will breed.  Also, places where water may gather – old tires, buckets, low-lying areas and spots outside on patios after rain.  Mosquitoes prefer fresh water for laying eggs.
Do not use Permethrin products directly on skin

List of Countries with confirmed cases*:
Barbados
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
French Guiana
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Martinique
Mexico
Panama
Oaragat
Puerto Rico
Saint Martin
Suriname
US. Virgin Islands
Venezuela
Samoa
Cape Verde

*U.S.A. Today

Information in this article from:
www.cdc.gov/features/stopMosquitoes
www.USAToday.com