It’s almost impossible to turn on the news and not hear about the threat the Zika virus currently poses. Earlier this week, it wasreported that most of those who contracted mosquito-transmitted Zika while within the continental United States can be traced to a specific area in Miami, Florida. And now, cruise lines are informing passengers of exactly how the latest news from the Center For Disease Control will impact them!
Carnival’s Latest Update
In a letter to travel agents, Carnival Cruise Line’s Acting Medical Director, Dr. Andrea Yates, provided “important health-related information” for the recipients to share with their clients. “On January 15, 2016,” the missive begins, “the [CDC] updated their Zika virus travel health notice to Alert Level 2, (Practice Enhanced Precautions), with specific affected areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America.”
In updating this information, Dr. Yates explained that, “As of August 3, 2016, the CDC notice now includes Antigua, Barbuda and Grand Turk among the affected areas.” The letter explains that the virus is spread “primarily” through mosquitos, and that symptoms include fever, headache, skin rash and pink eye, and that generally speaking, symptoms are mild and “lasting from 2-7 days,” with many experiencing no symptoms at all.
Who Should Worry
The main concern where Zika is concerned is for woman who are or may be pregnant. “There has been a recent increase in poor pregnancy outcomes among mothers who contracted Zika during pregnancy,” explains Yates. “Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is still developing. For this reason, the CDC Advisory particularly impacts women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant.”
As a result, it is being recommended that mothers-to-be consider postponing trips to any area where Zika is being spread. Those who do travel to the impacted areas are advised to consult with their doctor and follow any health-care advice the might offer. And Yates asks travel agents to tell their clients that if they experience any symptoms while on board, they contact their ship’s medical center immediately.
Should You Cancel?
The decision on whether or not to travel during this time, particularly to an area impacted by the virus, is a personal one. The major cruise lines are working with concerned parties to reschedule their trips with as little difficulty as possible and, in many cases, no attached fee. As reported by Action News in Jacksonville, Florida, “more of the major cruise lines are offering credit [for impacted cruisers] that is valid for two years.”
