Tips For Travelers About Zika Virus

Congressman Steve Israel is urging caution to families and spring break travelers planning to visit areas that have been affected by the Zika virus outbreak. According to the World Health Organization, the mosquito-borne virus is “spreading explosively” across the Americas, right as peak spring break travel season begins.
“As New Yorkers look to escape the snow and head south for warmer weather, I urge them to consider the risks involved with visiting a destination where active transmission of Zika is taking place,” said Rep. Israel. “It is particularly important that expecting mothers avoid traveling to these areas until more is known about the virus. On Monday, President Obama asked Congress for $1.8 billion to help fight Zika, and I look forward to working with my colleagues, federal health officials and local partners like Northwell Health to ensure our government and New York residents have the resources they need to quickly respond to the virus.”
“At Northwell Health we are working diligently to educate patients and health care providers about the facts surrounding the Zika virus,” said Dr. Bruce Hirsch, infectious disease specialist, Northwell Health. “There are still many unknowns about the virus but we are encouraging pregnant women to consult with their physicians before traveling to areas affected by Zika, and for all travelers to take steps to prevent mosquito bites including using repellant.”
Congressman Israel is advising New York residents to adhere to the latest Zika virus information available on the CDC’s website for up-to-date travel notices on which countries and territories are experiencing local transmission of the virus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the CDC has a comprehensive “Question and Answers” page on their website that explains the risks of Zika infection and pregnancy. If you must travel to an area affected by Zika, please adhere to the CDC’s guidance on how to prevent infection for you and your family.
Tips for protecting you and your family against the Zika virus:
How can pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant protect themselves against Zika?
• Consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
• If you must travel, consult with your healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.
• If you have traveled to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission during pregnancy, you should consult with your doctor to be evaluated for Zika virus infection and get tested.
How can families planning to travel to an area impacted by Zika protect themselves?
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
What are Zika virus symptoms?
• Only 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will develop any symptoms, which include:
o Fever
o Rash
o Joint pain
o Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
o Muscle pain
I recently traveled to an area where Zika is found and have symptoms, what should I do?
• Don’t panic – visit your doctor and tell them where and when you travelled.
• Your doctor may order specialized blood tests to look for Zika or other similar viruses like dengue or chikungunya.
*Above information sourced from the CDC’s Zika Virus website.