For people travelling to Zika-affected countries, the virus is a major concern.
Canadian tennis star Milos Ranoic recently announced that he wouldn’t be playing in the Olympics next month in Brazil, partly due to concerns over the virus.
“There's still a lot that we don't know about the Zika virus,” said Julia Calderone, associate health editor with Consumer Reports. “We know that it can be spread through mosquito bites but also through sexual contact with infected partners. Four out of five people do not show symptoms when they're infected with Zika.”
Health officials are advising pregnant women not to travel to Zika-affected countries since there is increased risk of serious health effects from the virus on their unborn babies. In some cases, the virus has caused newborn babies to be born with microcephaly. In adults, the virus can cause fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, and although it has the potential to cause serious health problems in adults, it’s uncommon.
Travellers thinking of booking a trip to a Zika-affected country should be aware of an airline’s policy before they book any trip.
“Each airline has their own policy but they’re fairly consistent in terms of refunds and cancellations,” said Allison Wallace with Flight Centre. “Because the advisory came out a few months ago, pregnant women who choose to travel now to a country affected by Zika will have a challenge with insurance because they have been advised not to.”
In a statement to CTV News, Air Canada says they have a “goodwill policy” to facilitate changes for women and their travel companions who have a note from a healthcare professional. They must have been originally scheduled to travel before Oct. 31, 2016 and the ticket must have been issued no later than Feb. 4, 2016.
WestJet initially allowed travelers with existing flights to affected countries to change or cancel those flights at no charge. But now the airline says that policy has expired since there is more information available to people thinking about travelling to an affected country.
Both airlines encourage passengers to contact them directly if they have questions or concerns about any upcoming travel.
There is currently no vaccine for the Zika virus, and there’s no drug available to treat infections, which is why it’s incredibly important for travellers to avoid getting mosquito bites.
For the Canadian market, Consumer Reports recommends using Ben’s 30% Deet Tick & Insect Wilderness Formula as an effective mosquito repellent. While visiting countries with Zika, it’s also a good idea to stay inside as much as possible and limit the amount of exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants as well as light coloured clothing.
Zika can also be sexually transmitted, so it’s important that travellers use condoms for at least six months after returning home.
Health officials recommend travellers visit a travel medical clinic six weeks before leaving. If you feel sick while you’re away or within two weeks of returning home, you should see a doctor and tell them where you’ve been travelling.
