The spread of the Zika virus has been very rapid in recent months across the globe, with more and more regions affected. When travelling, we are more likely to be exposed to virus-carrying mosquitoes (climate, outdoor activities, etc.). So let's look at how to protect yourself against the Zika virus when travelling, and find out a little more about this health risk.
What is the Zika virus?
This virus is transmitted by bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes, which can also carry dengue and chikungunya. The virus does not spread directly between humans.
The Zika virus was first detected in 1947, in a monkey in Uganda. It was named after a forest located south of Uganda's capital. The virus was isolated in humans from 1952 onwards, in Uganda and also in Tanzania.
The first significant epidemic is dated to 2007, in the Yap Islands in the Micronesian archipelago. In French Polynesia, an epidemic affected around 32,000 people in 2013/2014. Then in 2014 and 2015, New Caledonia was in turn affected by the spread of the virus. Today, strains of this virus are circulating in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Pasteur Institute has described the situation in South America as an "unprecedented" epidemic.
A few health characteristics are worth noting:
- in most cases (around 70%), the infection goes unnoticed.
- otherwise, symptoms are flu-like — fever, headaches, body aches — accompanied by skin rashes.
- the virus can also be accompanied by conjunctivitis, pain behind the eyes, and swelling of the hands or feet.
- there can be neurological complications, which may cause Guillain-Barré syndrome
- there have been no deaths attributed to Zika to date.
The greatest danger of the virus is that it can cause malformations in the foetus carried by infected women. Indeed, a pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus may give birth to infants with microcephaly: babies are then born with a small head circumference (under 33 centimetres) and irreversible intellectual disability, if they survive.
It is clear that this type of virus should not be taken lightly, even if there is no need to panic, of course. There are precautions to take to protect yourself as best you can — especially when you may encounter the Zika virus while travelling in a country significantly affected by the epidemic.
What precautions should you take against the Zika virus when travelling?
If you are travelling to a foreign country, whatever the geographical region, try first to find out whether the country is more or less affected by the virus. Generally, these mosquitoes are found in most warm countries, but also in less tropical regions (Europe, North America, etc.).
It is also worth knowing that these species of mosquito attack primarily during the day, not at night. Nocturnal mosquitoes are not the main carriers of the virus. This does not mean it is impossible to encounter them in the evening, but it is significantly less likely.
The first precaution is to avoid standing near stagnant water, rivers, or lakes. Be careful and vigilant, particularly around basins or any object containing water that has been sitting there for several days. In some climates, it is common to see buckets, tyres, and containers filled with water that has been standing for days.
You should also, of course, stock up on mosquito repellent products. Sprays and lotions are available commercially. In many tropical countries, there are also citrus-scented essential oils that are quite effective as well.
But the first line of protection is to cover up. When you are travelling and find yourself in an exposed area, cover up! Wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts. You'll want to choose lightweight clothing to stay comfortable. If you're doing a water activity on a river, or hiking through forest or rural areas, ditch the t-shirt and the ultra-short shorts. The less skin you expose, the lower your chances of getting bitten.
Finally, consider choosing mosquito-repellent clothing. Today there are highly effective and safe options available. Shirts, trousers, and shorts are impregnated with a natural mosquito repellent: chitin secreted by crustaceans. Its action is ecological, odourless, and harmless to your health. It acts as a highly effective first barrier against the Zika virus when travelling. And it's easy to use: simply put on your clothing and you're protected for the whole day!
Whatever country you visit, caution around mosquito bites is now essential. Apart from cold countries, the risk is more or less present everywhere. It is quite clear that this should not prevent you from travelling and fully enjoying your stay. But it is better to be informed and stay vigilant. Protecting yourself against the Zika virus when travelling is fairly straightforward — it would be a shame to overlook it and suffer lasting consequences.
