The traffic may be anarchic and there’s no citywide subway system, but Bogotá is still a relatively easy place to navigate.
27.07.2023 - 18:14 / smartertravel.com / What You Need
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.
If you have recently visited or are planning a trip to Southeast Asia, India, Central America, South America, Mexico, Africa, or the Caribbean, make sure you’re following up with the latest on the mosquito-borne Zika virus. There are now close to 100 countries that are declared “at risk for Zika” including some where the disease is endemic. You can view the full list of active transmission countries here.
While the disease’s symptoms are mild, pregnant women who become infected can have babies with birth defects (including microcephaly—being born with a small head and underdeveloped brain) and experience other poor pregnancy outcomes. Currently, the CDC has released travel warnings specific to each country and region regarding Zika, which you can read here; these are classified as Level 2 Warnings, Practice Enhanced Precautions.
Important Information About the Zika VirusThe most common symptoms, according to the CDC, are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, as well as muscle pain and headache. Although hospitalization is uncommon and the symptoms are mild, it is important to seek medical attention if you have these conditions after a trip to affected regions. The CDC warns that these symptoms are similar to that of dengue and chikungunya, so a blood test may be necessary to provide a diagnosis. Zika symptoms can last up to a week, and the time from exposure to symptoms is unknown, but it’s believed to be from anywhere from a few days to a week.
In May of 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) confirmed the first infection in Brazil. Since then, the outbreak there has led to reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome—a rare and potentially life-threatening condition in which the immune system attacks part of the nervous system and patients are left paralyzed for up to several weeks, requiring life support for survival. The link between Guillain-Barre syndrome and the Zika virus is currently being investigated by the CDC, according to the New York Times.
Related:Everything You Need to Know About Visiting a Travel ClinicWhile it is a mosquito-borne virus, the disease can also be spread through sexual contact.
What to Do if You’re Traveling to These AreasThere is currently no vaccine or medication for the virus, so mosquito-bite prevention is key. Using EPA-registered insect repellents, covering exposed skin, wearing light-colored clothing, sleeping inside or in screened-in rooms, and wearing pre-treated clothing and gear can help prevent bites. See more on the CDC’s prevention tips
The traffic may be anarchic and there’s no citywide subway system, but Bogotá is still a relatively easy place to navigate.
The devastating wildfires that have been ripping through Maui have been mostly contained as of Thursday morning, officials told the New York Times. However, periodic flare-ups are still occurring in some areas.
Large wildfires burning across the islands of Maui and Hawaii, fueled by intense winds, turned scenic beach destinations into smoky, catastrophic scenes on Wednesday. The fast-moving flames have scorched hundreds of acres, destroyed homes and businesses, and prompted a series of evacuation orders, road closures, and power and cellphone service outages. At least six people have died.
Low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines recently launched a brand-new monthly “all-you-can-fly” pass that promises customers unlimited flights for 30 days for just $149.
Chicago is that unique city that marries rich history with contemporary marvels. Renowned for its diverse neighborhoods, stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and delectable culinary experiences, Chicago is a city that never fails to captivate its visitors.
Researchers in Connecticut are warning that tick populations are on the rise this year, so you need to be especially vigilant—not just at home, but also while traveling. If your trips take you anywhere within North America, Europe, or Asia, you could be at risk for ticks and the many diseases they cause.
This summer, Norwegian plans to fly from New York to Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, and Shannon—and for these flights, “New York” means Stewart International Airport (SWF), also called Stewart Field.
Passport changes are coming, and if you plan on traveling in the near future—especially if you’re among the 49 million Americans whose passports will expire in the next few years—you need to know what passport changes are in store.
Everything you thought you knew about American Airlines’ upgrade policies will change this weekend.
We all know that air travel isn’t great for the environment, but a new study has found that tourism is four times worse for the environment than previously thought. The alarming research conducted by University of Sydney researchers and published in the journal Nature Climate Change found that the tourism industry (including direct sources like flights and indirect sources such as souvenir manufacturing) is responsible for eight percent of global greenhouse emissions, which is four times higher than scientists had previously estimated.
Looking for a reliable source of Brexit travel information? You’re not alone—the U.K.’s own lawmakers are still asking questions about the issue of borders and free travel after Brexit. As of January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially has left the European Union. But what’s to come still remains unclear: For the rest of the year, the U.K. will remain in a “transition” period, meaning nothing will change between now and 2021 in regards to borders and other travel-related items. Meaning, if you have a summer vacation planned to the U.K. or Europe, you shouldn’t worry about anything changing.