On Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added Aruba and Bonaire to the list of countries and territories on its virus travel advisory list.
The CDC’s travel advisory is a Level 2 Alert, meaning that travelers to the affected countries and territories where the Zika virus is known to be active should practice enhanced precautions when visiting those areas.
CDC’s Specific Travel Advisory for Pregnant Women or Women Who Are Considering Becoming Pregnant
The CDC’s travel advisory for women who are pregnant or who are considering becoming pregnant are more specific, due to the suspected link between Zika virus and the rare birth defect microcephaly and other birth-associated issues in the newborn infant who acquired the infection while in the womb from his/her infected mother.
Recommendations for women who are pregnant (in any trimester):
- Consider postponing travel to any area known to have active Zika virus infections (locally-acquired)
- If you must travel to one of these areas while pregnant, talk to your health care provider first and strictly follow the steps to prevent mosquito bites during your travel
- If you have a male partner who lives or has visited one of the areas of active Zika virus, either abstain from sex through the duration of the pregnancy or consistently and correctly use condoms for any oral, vaginal or anal sex to prevent transmission of the virus via semen.
- Recommendations for women who are considering becoming pregnant:
- Before you or your male partner travel, discuss with your health care provider your plans to become pregnant. Follow the advice of your health care provider.
- Both you and your male partner must follow the steps to prevent mosquito bites.
It’s important to remember that 4 out of 5 people who become infected with Zika virus will have no symptoms. The absence of symptoms in your partner does not guarantee the absence of Zika virus.
The CDC also cautions everyone to remember that Zika virus is spreading from one area to another o a frequent basis. Before making travel plans, visit the CDC website for the most current information at cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert or cdc.gov/zika.
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