Zika Virus Advice
Out of an abundance of caution, women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next few months, should consider postponing their trip to an area currently affected by the Zika virus. Many airlines, tour and cruise companies have set up policies to allow rebooking or cancellation with a reduced penalty. Talk to your travel specialist about your options if you are in this high risk group.
There are precautions travelers can take to minimize their risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.
• While there is no vaccine or medication to prevent Zika, the CDC offers some tips on avoiding mosquito bites – mosquitos that spread Zika bite aggressively during the day:
◦ Use insect repellents. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long lasting protection.
◦ If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
◦ Do not spray insect repellent on the skin under your clothing.
◦ Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing.
◦ Always follow the label instructions when using insect repellent or sunscreen.
◦ More information about insect repellents can be found on the CDC West Nile virus website, “Insect Repellent Use & Safety”.
• While there is no medicine to treat Zika, if a traveler becomes ill and believes it may be Zika, he/she should treat the symptoms as follows:
◦ Get plenty of rest.
◦ Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
◦ Take medicines, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.
◦ Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage.
We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
• We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
◦ Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
◦ We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believe it to be unsafe. Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.
◦ Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located; we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require an alternate travel arrangement.
• We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.
• We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need us – which gives them peace of mind.
◦ By working with a trusted travel professional, we can provide providing alternative travel arrangements should the need arise.
◦ Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything goes off without a hitch.
Nora
Latest posts by Nora (see all)
- Mixology Class on a Disney Cruise - April 20, 2024
- The Glaciers of Alaska - April 20, 2024
- We Dine Disney - April 20, 2024
