The Zika virus spread rapidly across the globe in recent months, with more and more regions affected. When travelling, we are more exposed to mosquitoes carrying the virus (climate, outdoor activities, etc.). Here is how to protect yourself against the Zika virus while travelling, along with key information about this health risk.
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 — particularly when you may come into contact with the Zika virus while travelling in a heavily affected country.
But the first line of defence 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 ultra-short shorts. The less skin you expose, the less chance of being bitten.
Finally, opt for mosquito-repellent clothing. There are now highly effective and safe options available. Shirts, trousers and bermuda shorts are impregnated with a natural mosquito repellent: chitin secreted by crustaceans. Its action is ecological, odourless and safe for your health. It acts as a highly effective first barrier against the Zika virus while travelling. It's also easy to use: simply put on the clothing and you're protected for the entire day!
Whatever country you visit, caution is now essential when it comes to mosquito bites. Except in cold countries, the risk is more or less present everywhere. This certainly shouldn't stop you from travelling and making the most of 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 overlook it and suffer lasting consequences.
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 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 the Ugandan capital. The virus was isolated in humans from 1952 onwards, in Uganda and Tanzania. The first major 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. In 2014 and 2015, New Caledonia was in turn affected by the spread of the virus. Today, the strain circulates in the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe. The Pasteur Institute describes the situation in South America as an "unprecedented" epidemic. A few key health characteristics can be noted:- in most cases (around 70%) the infection goes unnoticed.
- otherwise symptoms are flu-like — fever, headaches, body aches — accompanied by a skin rash.
- 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 trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome
- there have been no deaths attributed to Zika to date.
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 — particularly when you may come into contact with the Zika virus while travelling in a heavily affected country.
What precautions should you take against the Zika virus while travelling?
If you are travelling to a foreign country, regardless of the geographical area, try to find out in advance how affected that country is by the virus. In general, the notorious mosquitoes are found in virtually all warm countries, but also in less tropical regions (Europe, North America, etc.). It is also worth knowing that these mosquito species attack primarily during the day, 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, especially around basins or any object that has been holding water for several days. In certain climates, it is common to see buckets, tyres and containers filled with water that has been sitting there for days. Of course, you should also equip yourself with mosquito repellent products. You can purchase sprays and lotions available in shops. In many tropical countries, citrus-scented essential oils are also quite effective.
But the first line of defence 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 ultra-short shorts. The less skin you expose, the less chance of being bitten.
Finally, opt for mosquito-repellent clothing. There are now highly effective and safe options available. Shirts, trousers and bermuda shorts are impregnated with a natural mosquito repellent: chitin secreted by crustaceans. Its action is ecological, odourless and safe for your health. It acts as a highly effective first barrier against the Zika virus while travelling. It's also easy to use: simply put on the clothing and you're protected for the entire day!
Whatever country you visit, caution is now essential when it comes to mosquito bites. Except in cold countries, the risk is more or less present everywhere. This certainly shouldn't stop you from travelling and making the most of 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 overlook it and suffer lasting consequences.
