Zika Virus
January 28, 2016
WHO Director-General stated that Zika virus is now spreading explosively in the Americas. Cases have been reported in 23 countries and territories in the region.
CDC recommends that travelers to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, South America, Cape Verde and Samoa, protect themselves from the Zika virus by preventing mosquito bites. Bugs (including mosquitoes, ticks, and some flies) can spread a number of diseases. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
Until more is known, and out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant.
The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention suggests to provide the following recommendations to travelers.
- Advise all travelers to affected areas to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites, including during the day.
- Advise travelers with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses to seek medical advice before traveling.
- Advise pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant, to discuss travel plans with their healthcare providers and to consider postponing their travel to affected areas, especially to areas with increasing or widespread transmission.
- Travelers showing symptoms compatible with dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus disease within three weeks after returning from an affected area should contact their healthcare provider.
- Pregnant women who have traveled to areas with Zika virus transmission should mention their travel during antenatal visits in order to be assessed and monitored appropriately.
Learn more about Zika virus: Visit the CDC Zika Virus website, watch the WHO Zika Virus Q&A video and read the UT Dallas Zika Virus advisory.
The risk information in this report is retrieved from official sources as listed. It provides general guidance for UT Dallas travelers. Please note the publication date of this post, and go to the direct sources listed above for the most up-to-date information. The information in this post may change without prior notice.
