The Zika Virus – Advice for Travelers

in Health & Safety
January 27th, 2016

The Centers for Disease Control has issued a Level 2 Alert – “Practice Enhanced Precautions” for most of Central and South America and the Caribbean in response to the recent outbreak of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Zika is generally considered to be a mild disease, with symptoms appearing in only about 1 in 5 cases. Symptoms include fever, rashes, joint pain and conjunctivitis, and generally last 2 – 7 days.

However, the Zika virus outbreak has been linked in Brazil to a high number of cases of microcephaly, a serious birth defect affecting the development of the skull and brain. The CDC recommends that women who are pregnant postpone travel to areas that are less than 2,000 meters (approx. 6,500 feet) above sea level in countries and U.S. territories with active Zika virus transmission.

There is no preventative measure or treatment for Zika. Travelers are urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites by following standard precautions:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. Always use as directed.
  • Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are safe for pregnant and nursing women and children older than 2 months when used according to the product label. Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents).
• Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.