You may have seen the recent news warning travellers of the Zika virus. It can be frightening if you have a holiday booked to one of the areas where a warning has been issued, so here is what you need to know about the Zika virus.
What is the Zika virus?
The Zika virus is a Mosquito-borne viral disease, caused by the Zika virus. One in four people may develop symptoms which are similar to that of dengue fever- a bumpy rash, mild fever, headaches, conjunctivitis and joint pain. The symptoms can last anywhere between two to seven days. Advice from the World Health Organisation dictates that sufferers should drink lots of fluids, rest regularly and treat any pain and fever with the usual common medicines.
In some states in Brazil where the virus has been circulating, there has been an increase in newborn babies suffering with microcephaly. Microcephaly is a condition which causes the brain to develop abnormally and can develop whilst in the womb or during the early stages of life. According to research conducted by the Brazilian authorities, the greatest risk of malformations developing is associated with infection in the first trimester of a pregnancy.
Is the Zika virus treatable?
There is no form of medication or vaccination available to treat the Zika virus.
Which countries are affected by the Zika virus?
Areas with past/active cases of Zika virus.
- Barbados
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Martin
- Suriname
- Venezuela
This was correct at the time of writing. Check the Pan American Health Organisation website for a map which is constantly updated.
Do I need to cancel my holiday?
You only need to cancel your holiday if you are pregnant. Currently, the Government travel body in the USA is recommending that pregnant women ‘consider avoiding travel’ to areas where there are outbreaks of the Zika virus. If you cannot avoid travel or you live in an affected area, you should take the appropriate precautionary measures to avoid insect bites, both during the day and at night. You should also inform your midwife if you have recently travelled to a country which has been affected by the Zika virus. Other travellers should also take precautions against insect bites.
Will my travel insurance cover me?
If you are pregnant and you have a certificate from your doctor saying that you shouldn’t travel, you should be able to claim on your insurance straightaway. This is because the Zika virus and the possible effects of it are a new development. If you are pregnant and book your holiday in a couple of months, you could struggle to claim as your insurer would argue that you should have been aware of the dangers. ABTA, who verifies travel agents, believes that you should always check with the Foreign Office website for travel advice.
Contacting your travel agent
If you are travelling to an area affected with the Zika virus, contact your travel agent. You can find their number here:
Current advice (January 2016)
- People with a medical condition that affects their immune system should seek advice from their doctor before travel.
- If you are planning a pregnancy, you should also speak to a medical professional.
