64% of Americans would cancel travel plans to affected countries amid the ongoing Zika virus outbreak, according to a new survey released today from travel risk management company On Call International. Additionally, 69% of all women stated they would cancel their travel and 37% of women aged 25-34 were the most likely to cancel their trip if their doctor advised them to – a safe response considering the potential links of Zika to birth defects such as microcephaly.
This is ahead of the international health authority, the WHO’s, call for an emergency committee meeting on Monday in Geneva, to address the Zika virus' spread, its effects and whether the outbreak should be declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Full survey results can be read in the attached PDF, and include:
- 64% of all respondents say they would cancel their trip to affected countries amid the Zika virus outbreak
- 41% of men are more likely to proceed with travel plans versus women (32%)
- 40% of men aged 18-24 were the most likely to cancel their travel plans if their doctor advised them to.
Dr. Robert Wheeler, Chief Medical Officer at On Call International, acknowledges that there are risks associated with travel to regions where the Zika virus has been confirmed, and individuals who plan to proceed with travel plans should educate themselves on how to best avoid getting infected with the virus. Dr. Wheeler states:
“if a person does plan to travel to affected areas, they should first see their doctor prior to their trip to discuss the health risks associated with the destination, keep informed of the current status of the Zika virus outbreak and avoid areas that are most affected by the outbreak. Travelers should use an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR353. Permethrin is an additional insect repellant that can be applied to clothing, footwear, mosquito nets and tents, but not directly onto bare skin. Keep skin covered with long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Sleep in a screened-in or air conditioned room. Limit the amount of outdoor activities, especially between the hours of dawn until dusk, when the Aedes aegypti mosquito is most active.”
Addressing the concern for women and the potential link to Zika virus and birth defects, Dr. Wheeler states: “Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant within a month of visiting a country with an active Zika virus outbreak, should postpone their travel plans in order to avoid the risk of Zika virus infection while pregnant.”
