Travel warning for pregnant women

The outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease has spread to more than 20 countries in America

Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Saint Martin, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Barbados have all been affected.

There has been a suspected link with the disease and brain defects in babies, therefore the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Center say pregnant women should reconsider their plans to visit the affected countries, and any traveller should seek advice before leaving.

The disease is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is most active during the day.

People advised to do the following:

• Wear long-sleeved tshirts and trousers
• Wear insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
• Keep doors and windows closed and use air conditioning

IMG: Mauritian mosquito by John Tann / Flick cc.