We would like to provide you with some important health-related information regarding the Zika Virus – Dated April 13, 2016.
On January 15, 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded their Zika virus travel health notice to “Alert Level 2”, (Practice Enhanced Precautions) with specific affected areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America. You may have received our previous communications providing this information. As of April 12, 2016, the CDC notice now includes St. Lucia, WI, among the affected areas. For the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus and countries affected, please visit the website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
Zika virus is spread primarily through mosquitoes, which mainly bite during daytime hours. Symptoms of Zika typically develop 3-12 days after being bitten and may include fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from 2-7 days and most people who contract Zika experience no symptoms at all. Comprehensive health information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.
There has been a recent increase in poor pregnancy outcomes among mothers who contracted Zika during pregnancy. These cases are being reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is still developing. For this reason, the CDC Advisory particularly impacts women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant.
The CDC advisory recommends that women who are pregnant in any trimester consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If pregnant women do opt to travel to Zika affected areas, the CDC recommends talking to their healthcare provider in advance and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip. Specific guidance for women who are trying to become pregnant is also included in the CDC advisory. More information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html.
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika Fever however individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses by following these steps:
- Apply insect repellent which contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.
- If both sunscreen and insect repellent is used, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
- Repellent is available for purchase from the shops on board.
- Wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, preferably of a light color to minimize the likelihood of being bitten.
Should you experience any symptoms of fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes), please contact a Doctor in the location, or their doctor if you have already returned home. Your health care provider should be advised of your recent travels.
*****************************
Remarkable Honeymoons is happy to be affiliated with World Travel in Portland, OR. Through this affiliation we are partnered with Virtuoso, a luxury travel consortium that ensures all of our clients receive the best of care. Call us (Toll free 1.866.614.1803) or request a quotation if we can be of assistance to you in the planning process. We enjoy what we do and look forward to the experience with you.
Warm regards,
Remarkable Honeymoons
Toll Free: 1.866.614.1803
Request@RemarkableHoneymoons.com
