Zika virus — known since the 1940s but only recently identified in the Western hemisphere — causes mostly mild symptoms in people who show any at all after being infected. However, there is growing evidence that the virus can be harmful to fetuses, causing potentially fatal birth defects, and that is reason for serious concern.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued five different advisories related to Zika Virus last week, covering the majority of the Americas from Mexico to Brazil. The list of countries will continue to grow, but while there is reason for concern, there's no reason to panic.
The number one piece of advice from the CDC is to avoid bug bites: Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes — not person to person.
To avoid mosquitoes, the CDC recommends:
Wear insect repellent: "When used as directed, insect repellent is the BEST way to protect yourself from mosquito bites — even children and pregnant women should protect themselves.
Cover up: "When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants."
Keep mosquitoes outside: "Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window/door screens."
Just one in five people who contract the virus show any symptoms at all.
However, for women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, the advisory is more serious. More than 3,500 cases of microcephaly, a condition that causes babies to be born with small heads and underdeveloped brains, were reported in Brazil between October 2015 and January 2016. The CDC warns women who are pregnant, in any trimester, to "consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing."
Here is the information you need for planning travel in light of the recent concerns.
Mexico identified its first locally transmitted cases of Zika virus in November, one in Nuevo León, in the northeast, and one in Chiapas, in the south.
CDC recommends women who are pregnant, in any trimester, to consider postponing their trip. They recommend women who are trying to become pregnant talk to their doctor first.
The first local transmission of Zika virus was recorded in December, and the CDC has limited its advisory to Haiti and Martinique. However, concern about the virus has not stopped there. Government officials in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are advising women in their countries to postpone plans to become pregnant, even though no cases of Zika have been recorded there.
Concern over Zika virus could have an impact on Caribbean "babymoons," which have spawned an entire industry catering to expecting parents looking for a pre-kid getaway.
"We’ve got a number of spots on our list that ensure travelers will still have deeper, richer and more fulfilling travel experiences," Cosgrove said. "Some offer warm weather and beach time, while others are geared towards foodies or couples craving nature and peace and quiet as they prepare for their new addition."
The first locally transmitted case of Zika virus in Puerto Rico was detected in December, according to the CDC.
Brazil is angling for a banner tourism year with the 2016 Olympics, taking place Aug. 5-21 in Rio de Janeiro.
Infrastructure and facilities construction have already posed challenges — as has questionable water quality where Olympians are to compete. Warnings about Zika virus are another blow.
Since there is no expiration date on the advisory, women planning to attend the Olympics who will be pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant at that time may want to reconsider the trip, according to the CDC.
The Central American countries included in the CDC advisory are El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama.
Belize, Costa Rica and Nicaragua were not included. Unfortunately, the ripple effect of the advisories may scare off travelers.
US warns pregnant women of Zika virus risk in Latin American countries. Costa Rica, Nicaragua NOT on warning list: https://t.co/OlKRnYwkjc
— Jill Replogle (@jillrep) January 18, 2016
Andrew Freedman contributed to this report