CDC Zika Virus Warning for travelers to the Caribbean and Latin America

Out of an abundance of caution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an “Alert Level 2” for travelers visiting countries in the Caribbean and Latin America. The scope of this also include many people traveling on cruises to the Caribbean as well as All Inclusive Resorts in the area. This is due to local transmissions of the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

In healthy individuals, Zika usually presents mild symthoms which last several days to a week, and cases of severe disease in uncommon. Less than 20% of those who become infected become ill.

However, a connection was recently discovered between the disease and a high incidence of birth defects. As a result, the CDC is urging pregnant women — at any stage of pregnancy — to consider postponing travel to 14 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean where a virus linked to birth defects is reportedly being transmitted through mosquito bites. More specifically: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname and Venezuela.

More specifically, the CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:

• Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):
  • Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
  • If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites) during your trip.
• Women who are trying to become pregnant:
  • Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.
  • Strictly follow the CDC steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.

As travel professionals, our clients can take heart that they booked through us. We are an unbiased advocate and can offer them both assistance and peace-of-mind. We have informed all of our clients traveling to this region to be aware of the current situations and circumstances so they can make an informed decision, based on facts, regarding their future travel plans.

As of 28JAN16:

• United said it will allow fliers traveling to regions listed by the CDC to rebook at a later date or receive a full refund.
• American offers full refunds to travelers who provide a doctor’s note explaining that they are unable to travel to one of four cities—San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Panama City, or Guatemala City—because of pregnancy.
• British Airways said any pregnant travelers with flights to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, or Cancun can change their booking free of charge through February.
• Two major Latin American carriers—LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines—announced similar policies this week.

See your travel professional for assistance.

(Updated 3/4/2016)