The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States has added Dominica to the list of countries that some US citizens are advised to avoid amid the spread of the Zika virus.
“CDC is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus transmission. Today, CDC posted a Zika virus travel notice for Dominica,” a statement from the CDC said on Tuesday.
On its website the CDC said, “Local mosquito transmission of Zika virus infection (Zika) has been reported in Dominica. Local mosquito transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people.”
Travel notices from the CDC are designed to inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues related to specific destinations. These issues may arise from disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, natural disasters, or other conditions that may affect travelers’ health.
So far the CDC has warned US citizens from traveling to more than 30 countries due to the Zika virus.
According to the CDC, women who are pregnant should not travel to Dominica.
Those who must travel should “talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.”
“If you have a male partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with Zika, either use condoms or do not have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during your pregnancy,” the CDC said. “Women who are trying to become pregnant: Before you or your male partner travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection. You and your male partner should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.Men who have traveled to an area with Zika and have a pregnant partner should use condoms or not have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) during the pregnancy.”
Dominica confirmed its first confirmed case of the disease on March 15, 2016.(Dominica News Online)
