CDC issues travel warnings for those traveling to Zika-affected areas

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a level 2 travel notice on Thursday for people traveling to destinations that have been affected by Zika virus.

Zika virus has spread rapidly in South America and Caribbean countries, with transmission of the virus typically coming from the bite of a mosquito that is most active during the daytime. Approximately one-in-five people infected by the virus will exhibit symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain or redness of the eyes. Zika virus has also been linked to malformations of the fetus in pregnant women. There is no Zika virus vaccine available at this time.

The CDC recommends that anyone traveling to affected areas use insect repellent for three weeks after travel to help prevent any mosquito bites. The CDC also recommends that pregnant women avoid traveling to affected areas entirely. If travel is necessary, the CDC recommends that pregnant women talk to their healthcare providers before travel.

CDC research suggests that Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is strongly associated with Zika virus, however, only a small percentage of those infected get GBS. The CDC is still actively investigating a possible link between the two diseases.