Updated July 29th. Florida governor Rick Scott has just confirmed the first cases of locally transmitted Zika in Downtown Miami.
As athletes, reporters, and spectators begin to arrive in Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympics, Zika, as well as a surplus of other issues, continues to dominate headlines. And while key information is still missing about the virus, the CDC and many governments are concerned because of its connection to microcephaly, easy transmission, and lack of vaccine.
So, here’s all the info you need if you’re traveling to the Olympics, or any other destination with active Zika transmission.
What Is Known There is no vaccine. The virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day. There is a known link to microcephaly in children born from a mother who had or has Zika. Only 1 in 5 patients who contract the virus experience symptoms. Symptoms can last from several days to a week. The CDC has issued a Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions travel alert. The disease can be sexually transmitted. There are 1,400 Zika cases reported in travelers from 46 U.S. states. View the full list of countries with active transmission. Related: What You Need to Know About the Zika Virus Should You Still Go?
Dr. Devon Davis, MD and Associate Director of Medical Operations for Global Rescue, recommends that pregnant women do not travel to any Zika countries; if you must it’s imperative to follow prevention tips and get good prenatal care, including testing even if you don’t have any symptoms once you return.
Women and their partners who are considering becoming pregnant within the next few months should also reconsider travel. Debora Rocha, Regional Security Manager for International SOS and Control Risks in Brazil, and Dr. Gary Mazer, Director of Emergency Management and Employee Health Services at CityMD, suggest waiting at least eight weeks before trying to become pregnant after visiting a Zika country.
Prevention Tips Use insect repellent that contains DEET, Picardin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or para-methane-diol. Apply sunscreen first, then bug spray. Remove standing water in and around your hotel room. Only stay in a room that uses air conditioning, screens, and mosquito netting. Wear light colored long sleeves, long pants, and/or permethrin-treated clothing if possible. Practice safe sex.
Tips provided by Dr. Devon Davis, MD, Dr. Joe Alton, MD, Dr. Gary Mazer, and IAMAT (International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers)
Symptoms
Dr. Joe Alton, MD, and author of the recently published “The Zika Virus Handbook” explains Zika’s symptoms:
Fever Rashes Joint and muscle pain Conjunctives
It’s important to note that these symptoms are very similar to Dengue and
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on January 25, 2016 and was updated in December 2018. Please consult this article: Do You Still Need to Worry About the Zika Virus for 2019? for the latest info.