ahoythere007 Posted August 16, 2017 #1 Share Posted August 16, 2017 Due to head out on the Britannia in October to Caribbean and quite concerned about Zika. Apart from taking sensible measures (Deet 50, covering up etc) would anyone recommend doing anything else or even avoiding any types of excursions/locations? Has anyone been out there recently and can share how seriously the risk is being taken there? Any thoughts welcome :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk338 Posted August 16, 2017 #2 Share Posted August 16, 2017 (edited) We didn't notice much precaution during our last visit. It's only a concern for those who are are pregnant or are likely to conceive within 6 months. Just catching Zika is not a big issue (as far as we know). Edited August 16, 2017 by uk338 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahoythere007 Posted August 16, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted August 16, 2017 Ok. I'm not planning on being pregnant soon but maybe within the next 12-18 months so a bit cautious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uk338 Posted August 16, 2017 #4 Share Posted August 16, 2017 Also keep in mind that mosquitos are most active at dusk, so you will most likely we onboard at that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mummsie Posted August 17, 2017 #5 Share Posted August 17, 2017 We didn't notice much precaution during our last visit. It's only a concern for those who are are pregnant or are likely to conceive within 6 months. Just catching Zika is not a big issue (as far as we know). We spend about 8 days in that part of the world a couple of months back. Didn't see/hear one mozzie. We did put insect repellant on just in case though. As another poster said - most mozzies come out at dusk and by then you are normally back on the ship. mummsie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgina1505 Posted August 17, 2017 #6 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Check out the Fit for Travel NHS site for advice, it does say that the mosquitos that carry Zika are the ones active in the day (if I remember rightly). I will be taking Incognito Spray and Handy Roll-on one to carry in the day, but will also get some of the wipes from Boots with DEET in as the incognito doesn't have it. I've also seen the wrist bands - I've rather go over the top than take the risk of being bitten. But having never been to the Caribbean I don't know what to expect! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoupPlease Posted August 17, 2017 #7 Share Posted August 17, 2017 As of 2nd August, the number of diagnosed Zika cases in the UK for 2017 is 14. 9 were from travel to Caribbean but the high percentage shouldn't be surprising as it is a popular travel destination. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/zika-virus-epidemiology-and-cases-diagnosed-in-the-uk/zika-virus-epidemiology-and-cases-diagnosed-in-the-uk In 2016, the number for the Caribbean was 208 so it appears to have significantly fallen but there is still 5 months to go before the full 2017 picture is known. Personally, I think taking sensible precautions is sufficient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahoythere007 Posted August 21, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted August 21, 2017 Many thanks for replies! I've been looking up advice online and it seems that just taking the sensible precautions may be enough (hopefully!). Deet50 and cover ups will be in use. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now