Our team in the DR recently shared some pictures and stories about the work being done to combat the potential spread of Zika and encourage vigilance in the neighborhoods surrounding Cielo. Read Carlos’ update here!
Zika was reported in May 2015 in South America and has since spread throughout the Americas. The first local transmission of Zika was reported in the Caribbean in December 2015, indicating that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with the Zika virus. The Zika virus spreads to humans primarily through infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are present in the Dominican Republic. The CDC has issued a Level 2 Alert for the entire region, including the Dominican Republic, in response to the Zika virus. A Level 2 Alert means that the CDC recommends travelers to this region “follow enhanced precautions” and that there is “increased risk associated with specific risk factors; certain high-risk populations may wish to delay travel to these destinations.”
Mission Emanuel has compiled some answers to frequently asked questions in order to update you on the status of Zika in the DR, help you stay healthy during your trip to the DR, and let you know how you can help.
Should I cancel my trip to the DR?
The CDC does not recommend that travelers who are not part of high-risk populations delay or cancel their travel to the Dominican Republic because of the Zika virus. It is safe for most healthy individuals to travel to the DR, using extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites and the transmission of the Zika virus.
How can I prevent transmission of Zika?
Currently, there is no vaccine that prevents Zika, nor medicine to treat it. Travelers can best protect themselves from the virus by preventing mosquito bites. The CDC recommends that travelers:
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use EPA—registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. Always use as directed.
- The CDC indicates that insect repellants containing DEET offer the best protection against mosquito bites. Higher concentrations of DEET may have a longer repellent effect, however, concentrations over 50% provide no added protection. (Guidelines for DEET Insect Repellent Use)
- Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children aged >2 months.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, and socks). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
- Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.
- Keep all windows and balcony doors closed in your hotel room.
Is it safe for me to travel to the DR if I am pregnant?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states,”Zika during pregnancy has been associated with birth defects, specifically significant microcephaly. Transmission of Zika to the fetus has been documented in all trimesters…However, much is not yet known about Zika virus in pregnancy…The absence of this information makes management and decision making in the setting of potential Zika virus exposure (i.e. travel to endemic areas) or maternal infection, difficult.” The ACOG has offered the following prevention guidelines:
- Avoiding exposure is best. Pregnant women should delay travel to areas where Zika outbreaks are ongoing when possible. Women considering pregnancy should discuss with their providers the advisability of travel.
- When traveling to areas where Zika has been reported, women should take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites including the use of EPA-approved bug spray with DEET, covering exposed skin, staying in air-conditioned or screened-in areas, and treating clothing with permethrin.
Is it safe for me to travel to the DR if my wife is pregnant, or if we hope to have children soon?
The CDC is investigating an increasing number of cases of Zika virus in the U.S. that appear to have been transmitted sexually. In this situation, avoiding exposure is best. If your wife is pregnant, or if you hope to have children soon, it is best to consider delaying travel to areas with active Zika outbreaks when possible. Men in this situation should discuss their travel plans with their providers.
What is Mission Emanuel doing to help prevent the spread of Zika in Cielo and Nazaret? Is there anything that I can do to help?
Mission Emanuel is actively working with the Department of Public Health in the Dominican Republic to monitor the ongoing Zika virus outbreak. Through our clinic and our team of community health workers, we are providing education to mothers and families about prevention of Zika transmission, including recommendations for preventing mosquito bites. If you are interested in supporting these efforts, donations of insect repellent or mosquito netting would be highly valued. If groups traveling in the next few months have the capacity to transport extra insect repellent or nets to the DR, it can be distributed to homes and families in the community via Mission Emanuel’s clinic. Please contact Lindsay Roberts (lindsay.roberts@missionemanuel.org) if you have questions.
