The spread of the Zika virus has been very rapid over recent months across the globe, and more and more regions are being affected. When travelling, we are more likely to come into contact with mosquitoes carrying the virus (climate, outdoor activities, etc.). So let's look at how to protect yourself against the Zika virus while travelling, and find out a bit more about this health risk.
What is the Zika virus?
This virus is transmitted through the bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and tiger mosquitoes, which can also carry dengue fever and chikungunya. The virus is not transmitted 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 the Ugandan 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. And in 2014 and 2015, New Caledonia was in turn affected by the spread of the virus. Today, the strain of this virus is circulating in the Americas, Africa, but also in Asia and Europe. The Pasteur Institute describes the situation in South America as an "unprecedented" epidemic.
A few key 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 also be neurological complications, which may trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- There have been no deaths due 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 by the Zika virus may give birth to infants with microcephaly: babies are 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 effectively as possible — especially when you may be exposed to 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, regardless of the geographical area, try first to find out how much the country has been affected by the virus. Generally, the well-known mosquitoes are found in virtually all warm countries, but also in less tropical regions (Europe, North America, etc.).
It is also important to know that these species of mosquitoes attack mainly during the day and not at night. Nocturnal mosquitoes are not predominantly 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 staying 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. Under certain climates, it is common to see buckets, tyres, and tanks filled with water that has been there for days.
You should also, of course, use mosquito repellent products. You can purchase sprays and lotions available in shops. 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 need to choose lightweight clothing to stay comfortable. If you're doing a water activity on a river, or hiking through forest or rural areas, leave the t-shirt and ultra-short shorts behind. The less skin you expose, the less chance you have of getting bitten.
Finally, opt for mosquito-repellent clothing. There are now very 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. And it provides a highly effective first barrier against the Zika virus when travelling. What's more, it's easy to use: simply put on your clothes and you're protected for the whole day!
Whatever country you visit, caution is now essential when it comes to mosquito bites. Aside from cold countries, the risk is more or less present everywhere. It is clear that this should not stop you from travelling and fully enjoying your trip. But it's better to be informed and stay vigilant. Protecting yourself against the Zika virus while travelling is fairly straightforward — it would be a shame to forget and be left with lasting consequences.
