Florida Zika virus has health, travel experts urging caution

Windsorites planning winter vacations in Florida should educate themselves about Zika virus, warns health officials and a Windsor travel agent currently booking vacations.

U.S. government health officials on Monday warned pregnant women to avoid a Zika-stricken section of Miami after the number of people feared infected through mosquito bites in the country climbed to 14.

Anyone who has visited the area since mid-June is also urged to get tested for the virus.

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by mosquitoes.

According to the World Health Organization, there is scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly, which results in abnormal smallness of the head, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development.

Unusual warning

In its highly unusual travel warning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also said men and women who have recently been to the affected area should wait at least eight weeks before trying to conceive a child.

All 14 cases are thought to have occurred in Miami's Wynwood arts district, a trendy, gentrifying neighbourhood of warehouses, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques.

"If I was pregnant and making travel plans to south Florida, I'd probably avoid that area," said Dr. Gary Kirk of the Windsor Essex County Health Unit. "If it were me, I'd probably take regular precautions for mosquitoes."

His advice also applies to any areas where mosquitoes may live.

"As everyone knows, mosquitoes can fly and they can be in other areas," Kirk said.

Canadian risk

The risk of Canadians contracting the virus could be high, considering more than four million visit Florida annually, explained Gregory Taylor, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer.

Florida in general is a hot spot for Windsor snowbirds. Disney World is also a popular destination for Windsor families.

Other than travel, Canadians should be safe from contracting the virus. Orlando is less than 400 km north of Miami, which is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Windsor.

"Canadians are definitely, in general, at low risk," Kirk assured.

While the virus can be transmitted sexually by someone who has been bit, the particular species of mosquito that carries Zika "doesn't find this area too hospitable. It's too cold," Kirk said.

'We try to educate people'

Sarah Hupalo, owner of Goliger's Travel Plus, echoes the experts: Pregnant women or those planning on becoming pregnant in the near future should take extra precaution if they plan on heading south.

Hupalo is hearing from "mostly families, some couples and some retirees" planning to visit Florida this winter. She tries to caution any travellers heading to Florida. 

"We try to educate people. If [pregnancy] is not something that's on their radar, they're usually pretty good about it," Hupalo said of vacationers. "People who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant should consult with their physician before they go."

People with Zika virus disease can have symptoms including mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. The symptoms normally last 2-7 days.

Only 25 per cent develop symptoms, Kirk said.

Take extra precaution

The WHO said there is consensus that Zika is a cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system.

"Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly," the WHO says on its Zika information page on its website. "Travellers and those living in affected areas should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites."

Huplao said West Nile should be of a bigger concern to Windsor residents.

"If they've already had all their babies, they should still protect themselves," Hupalo said. "Everybody should protect themselves from mosquito bites, even here with West Nile virus.

Anyone travelling to any area where mosquitoes live should apply the following advice, experts say:

• Use repellant with 20 per cent Deet content.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use the air conditioner instead of opening windows.
• Stay indoors.
• Use mosquito netting.