Avoiding Zika virus: A traveller's guide

WORRIED about the Zika virus? Here’s what you need to know before your next trip overseas.

FOLLOWING the World Health Organisation's declaration of the Zika virus as an international emergency, here's what you need to know before you head off overseas.

WHERE IS THE RISK?

Recent outbreaks in South and Central America, particularly Brazil, led to the World Health Organisation's emergency declaration on February 1. These areas along with parts of the Caribbean and Asia-Pacific are currently listed as affected regions, although these are likely to change over time. Australian travellers are advised to subscribe to updates at the Australian Government's Smartraveller website.

WHAT IS THE HEALTH CONCERN?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease. Most people who get infected do not show any symptoms. Only one in five people who get it will feel sick. In some cases, Zika infection can cause fever, rash, severe headache, joint pain, and muscle or bone pain. Illness from Zika is usually not severe and does not require hospitalisation. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Zika virus and no specific treatment. The recent outbreak in Brazil has raised concerns that there is a possible association between infection with Zika virus in pregnant women and certain birth defects (including microcephaly, a severe birth defect in newborn babies). The Australian Government has advised women who are pregnant or those who are actively seeking to get pregnant to consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

HOW IT COULD AFFECT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS

Besides the potential health risk, travellers could face delays because many countries are introducing fumigation regimes for flights originating in Zika virus affected zones.

TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS

1. Avoid mosquito bites

Phil Sylvester, a travel safety expert with Travel Insurance Direct, offers these tips for avoiding mosquito bites.

- Wear long-sleeved and long-legged clothing. Preferably light coloured (black leggings attract mosquitoes).

- Cover exposed skin in a strong insect repellent, at least 30 per cent DEET.

- Sleep in enclosed and insect-proofed accommodation, or under a mosquito net.

- Outside your accommodation, is there is any stagnant water, tip it out to stop mosquitoes breeding.

- Be aware the mosquito responsible for spreading Zika virus is active throughout the day, so take these precautions at all times.

2. Allow plenty of time

Ensure you have enough time to make connecting flights. Tight turnaround times are always a gamble, but as more airports start precautionary measures travellers need to leave longer than usual to clear customs and make the next flight.

3. Check your travel insurance

Confirm with your insurer what you are covered for in the event of delays or cancellations caused by the Zika virus health emergency. Some will offer refunds for pregnant travellers who chose to cancel their travel, under certain conditions. Mr Sylvester said Travel Insurance Direct would provide refunds in some circumstances. "If you’re pregnant right now and for the sake of your unborn baby's health you don’t want to go anymore, as long as you meet the conditions, your claim with us is very likely to be approved," he said. "Normally this might be considered a 'change of mind' and not covered, but this health emergency is unprecedented we had to change the rules."

4. Stay informed

Travellers should read the Australian Government country advice for their destination and monitor the media closely before and during travel. The Government also recommends travellers subscribe to regular updates and register their travel plans at the Smartraveller site.

5. Monitor your health

See a doctor as soon as possible if you feel unwell while you are away or on your return, and mention your recent travel.