Travelling provides some of the best memories of our lives. Yet the further we go, normally the more preparation we have to undertake. We’re able to visit the most foreign destinations in the world nowadays with lush jungles, idyllic islands and glorious weather - but other elements need to be considered, too. In the UK, getting bitten by a mosquito isn’t really much of a concern. It’s more than likely to be midges than anything else, just causing an annoying itch for most of us. Yet, if you’re bitten by a mosquito abroad, the sensation might be at first similar but the consequences can sadly be a lot worse.

Although not in the immediate news, unfortunately the Zika virus, caused mainly by mosquito bites, has not gone away. Despite the emergency declarations having decreased, the virus has spread further than initially anticipated after deriving from the early 2016 outbreaks. In addition to this, the virus can be traced months after being infected, which can lead to it being transmitted through sexual intercourse. This, however, is rare.

Be Aware Of the Symptoms

Most people do not show any notable symptoms, and even if they do occur, they are usually mild ones, lasting from a couple of days to a week. These may include:

•         Rash
•         Itching all over body
•         Fever
•         Headache
•         Lower back pain
•         Joint & muscle pain
•         Conjunctivitis & pain behind eyes

Just to re-cap on the Zika virus itself, it is particular harmful to pregnant women. As you may have witnessed through the harrowing reports in Brazil back in 2016, newborn babies were being born with microcephaly – causing abnormally small heads. Cases of the virus have become more widespread since, with not just South America falling victim to the virus in certain countries, but also in the Caribbean, Central America, Africa and Southeast Asia - all popular travel destinations.

Not only is this devastating to pregnant women and their newborn babies, but contracting the Zika virus puts you at risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), which is a serious nervous system condition.

Recommendations for travellers

If you’re travelling to any of the risk areas, it’s important to take precautions. It is important to know that there is no specific treatment for the Zika virus currently available, and even though the initial effects are rarely anything more than irritancy, it’s the long lasting effect the virus can cause that is the issue. 

Remember to:

•         Seek travel health advice 6-8 weeks before you travel. Especially if you’re pregnant or are planning pregnancy. Outline your travel plans, so your specialist can advise on the risks per continent or country. You can do this through MASTA via face-to-face consultation or over the phone.

•         During your travels use mosquito bite prevention techniques: 

- Use repellent with 50% DEET.

- Sleep or rest under a mosquito net

- Use additional mosquito coils

- Stay in rooms with air-conditioned facilities

- Wear loose clothing

**Remember, the mosquitos which spread Zika are more active during mid-morning to late afternoon-dusk time.

•         Men, use condoms during travel and 6 months after, to prevent the risk of the Zika virus being transmitted sexually. Women, use male or female condoms, even if you are in a relationship, for between 2 and 6 months – depending if you are pregnant or not. If either of you have been bitten by a mosquito, you could have the virus.

•         Obtain adequate travel insurance. If you’re pregnant, make sure your policy has that covered.

Remember, it doesn’t matter if you’re on a luxury holiday or a backpacking trip, if you are visiting the regions and continents with any Zika virus risk, you are at risk. Where you stay and what activities you undertake may determine your mosquito exposure. 

Risk Levels

The risks differ in each country, from widespread to sporadic. Currently as you can see from the list below, most of the Caribbean and Islands in the Americas are at high risk. Asia, Africa and the Pacific all range from high risk to very low risk.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/zika-virus-country-specific-risk

Pregnant Women

As far as we know, the Zika virus especially effects newborn babies, so expecting mothers have to take real care when it comes to travelling abroad in risk areas. If you are pregnant:

•         Speak to your travel health expert and discuss what your plans and activities are. They will give you a full honest answer, with recommendations.

•         Consider postponing your trip until after your pregnancy. If your trip isn’t essential and you’re going to a high or moderate risk area then it’s not worth the risk. Even if there is a small risk, ask yourself if it is worth it? You can always travel later. Try to avoid backpacking as this style of travelling normally entails a great sense of responsibility and therefore may lead to more offbeat places and conditions.

•         If you do travel, take extra care when in vicinities that are mosquito strong. Take extra DEET mosquito repellent, extra clothing and plan your days so you are away from mosquito infection.

•         Avoid sexual intercourse without the use of a condom, even if with your partner. You might not be used to this if you’re in a relationship, but given the circumstances it’s better to be safe than sorry.

•         If you think you have any symptoms contact healthcare professionals immediately. When you return from your travels, visit your GP or mid-wife to chat about the risks and arrange for an ultrasound to detect your baby’s growth.

If you are trying to get pregnant or expect to be sexually active then chat with your health specialist if you have upcoming travel plans. Remember to:

•         Avoid attempts to getting pregnant in high or moderate risk areas and for 8 weeks after you leave the risk areas when you return home.

•         If your partner has been in risk areas, use condoms for 6 months to prevent transmission.

It is important you take these precautions to prevent the risk of infection from the Zika virus. Mosquitoes carry other diseases such as malaria, so whether you are trekking in the Amazon rainforest or lying on a Caribbean beach it is up to you to be responsible. Even if you’re not planning to get pregnant, when you travel it isn’t uncommon for you to be sexually active, either with your partner or with someone new, using protection is paramount regardless.

We travel because we are curious, we are adventurous and we are keen to see new cultures and have new experiences. The Zika virus is something that could provide you with a travel hangover, but has the potential to affect unborn babies’ development, leaving them with special needs.

MASTA offer travel health consultations, vaccinations, antimalarials and travel related items. For over 30 years MASTA has been at the forefront of travel health. Now, MASTA operates the largest network of private clinics in the UK with over 170 locations.