A virus gaining ground
The mosquito-borne Zika virus continues to spread around the world, and several geographical areas have been placed on level 2 surveillance by the Center for Disease Control. Indeed, most tropical areas have reported an upsurge in Zika cases: Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America and South America including Brazil are under particular scrutiny.
In particular, this Zika virus is said to be behind the resurgence in cases of fetal or neonatal microcephaly. The health authorities are therefore stepping up their prevention efforts and recommend that pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant and planning to travel to areas where Zika is rife shouldconsider postponing their travel plansor, in any case, to consult a doctor before departure to be informed about the complications that can arise from Zika virus infection. If they can’t or don’t want to postpone their trip, they should reinforce their protective measures against this virus.
Prevention first and foremost
Since there is no vaccine against Zika, travelers are advised to follow general measures to avoid mosquito-borne diseases:
- Use insect repellent containing DEET. DEET is not dangerous during pregnancy
- Wear long sleeves and leggings or tights
- Use insect repellent-impregnated masks, mosquito nets and tents
- Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
- Pregnant women who think they may have been exposed and have developed symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor immediately.
To be on the safe side, Mondassur recommends that you take out travel insurance which, if necessary, will provide you with the following cover:
- trip cancellation
- emergency repatriation
- reimbursement of medical consultations
- reimbursement of hospitalization costs
