Zika virus is a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. It mainly infects people and causes fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes) typically lasting a week. While the symptoms are rarely dangerous there has been a recent outbreak of zika in the northeast states of Brazil resulting in the deaths of three people.

Travellers need to be aware that there is a risk of contracting the zika virus while travelling outside of North America and Europe where it can be found in Africa, Asia, Australia and South America. Here are three ways to avoid contracting the zika virus while travelling….

Zika virus is a disease caused by mosquito bites. The virus has been linked to birth defects as well as muscle weakness. Zika is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (A. albopictus). These are the same mosquitoes that can spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Travellers returning from areas where the Zika virus is present should use insect repellent for three weeks so they do not contract the disease. Here are three ways to avoid contracting the zika virus while traveling:

1) Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 on exposed skin when travelling.

2) Stay and sleep in screened-in or air conditioned rooms.

3) Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

If you have travelled in an area with known Zika cases and have recently returned home, it may be wise to speak with your health care provider about testing for Zika virus especially if you have been experiencing fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes or muscle pain.

There are many things to be concerned about while traveling. A good travel insurance plan can protect you from many of them. The Zika virus is one thing that needs to be taken seriously as you prepare for your next trip.

Is the Zika virus really a concern? And what kinds of precautions can be taken? It’s easy to think that this is a problem solely for those traveling in other countries, but it’s also a problem for visitors to the United States as well as for United States citizens who live in areas where mosquitoes can spread the disease.

MOSQUITOES AND THE ZIKA VIRUS

The main carrier of the Zika virus is the Aedes mosquito, which is prevalent throughout much of the world. It’s very small and usually bites during daylight hours. These mosquitoes bite multiple times in a single sitting, so they can transmit multiple diseases to their victims at once.

There are several ways travelers can avoid contracting this potentially dangerous disease.

If you’re planning on traveling to a Zika-infected country, it’s important that you protect yourself. While the virus does not seem to be as deadly as it was initially hyped up to be, there are still plenty of reasons to want to avoid contracting it. Here are three things you can do while still traveling that will help you stay safe.

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1. Just before and after your trip, use insect repellent containing diethyltoluamide or DEET.

2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

3. Sleep under a mosquito net if you are in an area where Zika is present or when mosquitoes are particularly active (dawn and dusk).

The Zika Virus is a very serious concern for travelers from non-afflicted areas. The virus is transmitted by the same species of mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya, and in some cases it can result in birth defects when acquired during pregnancy.

Travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as well as sexual transmission of the virus. A new case of Zika virus has been reported in France, so it’s important to be informed about symptoms, where it is found and how to prevent contracting it.

Travelling by air? Know how to handle your luggage.

Air travel is a good way to get around, but it also means you’re sharing your cabin with other passengers. This can increase your risk of contracting viruses like the Zika virus, since your hands and arms will come into contact with other people’s faces. If you’ve just returned from an area where insect or animal borne diseases are common, consider avoiding contact with others during the first week after you return home.

Travelling by car? Protect yourself against insect bites.

Insects are responsible for most cases of Zika virus transmission. The biggest risk is from mosquitoes, which can enter vehicles through open windows or broken screens. To avoid infection:

Should you cancel your trip to Brazil? Probably not. But should you take precautions? Absolutely.

Zika is carried by mosquitos and can be sexually transmitted, so follow these simple rules to stay safe while abroad: