Traveling?|How To Protect Yourself From The Zika Virus

The Zika virus has travelers cancelling their summer travel plans, especially pregnant women. Pregnant women are specially cautioned because the Zika virus can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly among other severe fetal brain defects. The Zika virus is spread through infected Aedes mosquitos and some of the common symptoms of the virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.  Is there anything travelers can do to protect themselves from contracting the virus?

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There is no cure for the Zika virus, which was first discovered in 1947 in the Zika Forest in Uganda. There’s been very few cases in the span of 50 years, but in 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. Then in February 2016, the World Health Organization declared Zika virus as a public health emergency of international concern. The virus has been detected all over the world, from Africa, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Brazil, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and even in the U.S.

What Can You do?

Be Smart

Protect your home from mosquitos by eliminating water deposits inside and outside your home. Even a tablespoon of water can serve as a mosquito breeding ground and produce hundreds of mosquitoes. Eliminate empty containers, bottles or garbage where water accumulates. Exercise indoors, mosquitos like the heat and carbon dioxide your body releases when you workout outside.

Check Before You Travel

Staying healthy should be at the top of your priorities. Check the CDC website for any warnings before traveling. There is an updated list of countries and territories that have active Zika virus transmission. Stay in air-conditioned areas, sleep under bed nets, use mosquito repellants and stay away from high risk areas.

Mosquito Repellant

Not all mosquito repellants are created equal and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend products with the active ingredient DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR 3535. Avoid non-registered repellents such as citronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, peppermint and peppermint oil, “pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil not formulated as a repellent), and soybean oil.

 

Apply it Thoroughly

When using mosquito repellant it’s important to apply it thoroughly and after you’ve applied sunscreen. Don’t wear it under clothes and avoid spraying it on cuts or wounds. Spray all over your body, including your feet and ankles, which is where mosquitos often bite. Remember to reapply based on the product’s specifications.

Wear the Right Clothes

When traveling to a wooded area where you know there will be a lot of mosquitos or even if you’re spending a long time outside, make sure you wear long-sleeve shirts and pants. Yes, the weather may be hot, but the extra protection you get from your clothes, will keep you healthy. Clothes made with permethrin, a synthetic insecticide can offer extra protection. Skip the sandals and wear shoes with socks. Also, skip the yoga pants, since mosquitos can still bite you through spandex and opt for baggier clothes, which offer a better protection.

Zika Virus: Pregnant Women Are Urged to Cancel Travel to Latin America