Zika Virus Alert: Pregnant Volunteers

In light of the recent development concerning the zika virus, World Vets recommends that our volunteers (or prospective volunteers) do not sign up for trips in Latin America and/or the Caribbean if they are pregnant, may be pregnant or are trying to get pregnant with their partners. If you are currently registered for a World Vets project, we always recommend that volunteers obtain travel insurance in the event that they may have to cancel their participation as project fees are non-refundable and/or non-transferable to other opportunities and/or persons.

Statement from CDC for pregnant women: Recommendations for Pregnant Women Considering Travel to an Area of Zika Virus Transmission

Because there is neither a vaccine nor prophylactic medications available to prevent Zika virus infection, CDC recommends that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing (10). If a pregnant woman (or her partner) travels to an area with Zika virus transmission, they should be advised to strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites (11,12). Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite both indoors and outdoors, mostly during the daytime; therefore, it is important to ensure protection from mosquitoes throughout the entire day (13). Mosquito prevention strategies include wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–registered insect repellents, using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, and staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms. When used as directed on the product label, insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are safe for pregnant women (14,15). Further guidelines for using insect repellents are available online

For the most current information on areas impacted by Zika virus, visit the CDC website here

More information on the Zika virus and prevention techniques can be found here