Travel Alert
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued a travel alert to highlight countries where Zika virus is prevalent. The Zika virus is spread by mosquitos and is therefore most prevalent in tropical environments.
Areas with Zika
Americas
- Barbados
- Ecuador
- Martinique
- Bolivia
- El Salvador
- Mexico
- Brazil
- French Guiana
- Nicaragua
- Columbia
- Guadeloupe
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- Guatemala
- Paraguay
- Costa Rica
- Guyana
- Saint Martin
- Curacao
- Haiti
- Suriname
- Dominican Republic
- Honduras
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Ocean/Pacific Islands
- American Samoa
- Samoa
Africa
- Cape Verde
Transmission
The Zika virus has been linked to a specific birth defect called microcephhaly (small head/brain). This link is so strong that the CDC has issued a warning for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant to avoid visiting places where the virus is currently circulating. Any pregnant woman or trying to become pregnant should consult with their doctor before traveling.
Symptoms
Usually mild and include fever, fash, joint pain, headache, and conjunctivitis (red eyes), lasting several days to a week. Currently there is no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika. Severe disease may require hospitalization.
Prevention
Travelers can limit their exposure to Zika (and other mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya) by taking the following precautions: stay in places with air conditioning, use window or door screens when indoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and use insect repellant when outdoors.
For more information on the Zika virus, please visit the CDC website.