The Zika Virus has been getting a lot of press coverage lately and if you are headed to a country where it is found, you may be wondering if you should cancel your trip.  The CDC website has a comprehensive page about Zika, how to avoid it and who should be the most worried.  There is a special caution for pregnant women.  The map below shows where Zika has been reported.

Transmission through mosquito bites

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

• These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.  They are aggressive daytime biters, prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people.
• Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

So in a nutshell, you want to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, especially in Zika affected areas but it’s a good practice no matter where you travel to as there are other diseases like malaria & dengue fever.

• Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts, preferably treated with permethrin.
• Apply mosquito repellent, preferably with a high DEET content.
• Keep windows closed and sleep under a mosquito net if possible.  Using a fan will keep them at bay as they can’t fly through the breeze created.

We will be in 2 countries that have reported Zika – Ecuador & Colombia so you can be sure that we will step up the mosquito bite prevention!