20 Ways to Avoid Zika When Travelling

Lately, few things have scared travellers quite like a little four-letter word starting with a Z. Zika has been around since the 1950s but has really made the headlines in the past year or so, since it has been linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly.

With symptoms like headaches and severe muscle and joint pain, contracting Zika can really ruin your trip, but there are ways to avoid the disease. If you want to stay informed, the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Canadian Government offer some tips and the latest information about Zika.

https://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/152

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1. Rethink Your Destination

Zika cases have been reported throughout the Americas, with the exception of Canada, Chile, and Uruguay. It is also found in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, so if you really want to avoid the disease, opt for destinations in more temperate climates.

2. Avoid Areas With a Risk of Dengue or Chikungunya

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2. Avoid Areas With a Risk of Dengue or Chikungunya

The Aedes mosquito species that transmit Zika are the same species that transmit dengue and chikungunya. These three diseases also have similar symptoms.

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3. Avoid Bodies of Standing Water

Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so avoid marshes, swamps, and similar areas. Also avoid staying in a room near a fish pond, bird bath or containers in which water may collect.

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4. Stay at High Elevations

Aedes mosquitoes prefer low elevations and don’t normally live at elevations above 2,000 m. This means that even if you travel to countries where Zika occurs, you can avoid the virus if you stick to the highlands and mountainous regions.

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5. Travel at the Right Time

Mosquitoes are more prevalent during the rainy season, so schedule your trip to coincide with the dry season at your destination.

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6. Stock Up on Bug Spray

Pack ample supplies of a good mosquito repellent, especially if you're travelling to remote areas where repellent might not be readily available.

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7. Apply Repellent to All Exposed Skin

When you apply bug spray, remember to cover all exposed skin, including your neck and ears. Pay special attention to your feet and ankles because these are Aedes mosquitoes’ favourite playgrounds.

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8. Apply Repellant Last

The chemicals in sunscreen may mask the smell of your bug spray, making the repellent less effective. During the day, apply your sunscreen first and then apply the bug spray over it.

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9. Use Unscented Hygiene Products

Mosquitoes are attracted to the strong fragrances you’ll find in perfume, shampoo, body lotion, and other hygiene products. Instead of using these, opt for the unscented variety.

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10. Cover Up

Especially at dawn and dusk when the mosquitoes come out, cover up by wearing long sleeves and long pants. You may also want to wear longer socks to protect your ankles.

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11. Avoid Yoga Pants

Or anything that mosquitoes can bite right through, really.

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12. Choose Colours With Care

Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colours, especially blue, so opt for clothes in lighter colours and leave the blue jeans at home.

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13. Use Gear Treated With Permethrin

Permethrin is an insecticide commonly used to treat mosquito nets, tents, boots and other outdoor gear. You can buy gear that has been pre-treated, or you can get a permethrin-containing product and treat your gear yourself. Don’t use it directly on your skin, though.

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14. Stay in Air-Conditioned Rooms

In an air-conditioned room, you won’t be tempted to open the windows or doors and let the mosquitoes in.

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15. Choose Rooms That are Screened In

If you can’t find an air-conditioned room, choose one that is screened in so that the mosquitoes will stay out. Remember not to leave the door open, though.

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16. Invest in a Travel Mosquito Net

Where air-conditioned or screened in rooms are not available, a mosquito net can be a life saver but the one that the hotel provides might be torn and ineffective. Invest in one that’s lightweight and designed for travel so you always have one on hand that’s in good condition.

17. Get the Kids Their Own Mosquito Nets

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17. Get the Kids Their Own Mosquito Nets

Bug sprays aren’t recommended for babies, but you can get mosquito nets specifically designed to cover kids’ cribs and strollers.

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18. Work Up a Sweat Indoors

Exercise raises your body temperature, causes you to exhale more carbon dioxide and lets your body release more lactic acid, all of which are like pizza and beer to mosquitoes. When you need to exercise, try and do it indoors or cover up and wear insect repellent.

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19. Practice Safe Sex

Zika is primarily spread by mosquitoes, but it can also be sexually transmitted. Wearing condoms and dental dams when hooking up during your travels will not only protect you against Zika but also against other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

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20. Take Precautions After Your Trip

Even after you’ve returned from an area affected by Zika, it’s a good idea to take precautions against mosquito bites. This way, you won’t risk spreading the virus.