| Travelers to Puerto Rico Urged to Make Informed Decisions About Summer Travel | Puerto Rico Travel Company Dispels Perceptions about Zika | The PRTC urges travelers interested in visiting Puerto Rico to know the difference between the perceptions about the Zika virus and the realities to make fully informed travel decisions. Knowing the real facts can mean the difference between travelers having the vacation of a lifetime and regretting the trip they should have taken. Perception #1 - Puerto Rico Is The Center of The Zika Virus In The Americas THE REALITY – The current Zika virus outbreak did not begin in Puerto Rico. In May 2015, The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert that Zika virus transmission was active in Brazil. The first locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus were not detected by the CDC in Puerto Rico until December 2015. Soon after, the CDC began reporting that several other countries in South America, Central America and the Caribbean were also experiencing active local Zika virus transmission. Perception #2 – Everyone Who Goes To Puerto Rico Will Get Infected With Zika THE
REALITY – Travelers can take simple, common-sense steps to help avoid getting
the Zika virus. The easiest way to avoid contracting the virus is to take
steps to prevent mosquito bites and wear proper clothing while enjoying
the outdoors. The CDC suggests that all travelers stay up-to-date on the
latest Zika news before their trip, and take the following preventive actions
during their trip:
Perception #3 – The CDC Has Banned All Travel To Areas With Zika Cases THE REALITY – The CDC has three travel level warnings, Watch Level 1, Alert Level 2, and Warning Level 3. The CDC recently issued an Alert Level 2 notice to Puerto Rico (and other destinations), suggesting that travelers should “practice enhanced precautions” when traveling to Puerto Rico. In other words, the CDC is encouraging travelers to review its travel guidelines before traveling and follow its preventive precautions when on the island. Currently, visitors continue to enjoy Puerto Rico’s white sandy beaches, beautiful rainforests, and one-of-a-kind island culture on a daily basis. Perception #4 – The Zika Virus Can Have Serious Implications For Anyone Who Contracts It THE REALITY – When it comes to the Zika virus, the general population has little to fear. According to the CDC, 80 percent of people infected with the virus never even show symptoms, and when they do, those symptoms are typically mild, usually lasting only two to seven days. These symptoms include, fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes)—symptoms that can be mitigated with rest, fluids, and everyday medication. Currently, the CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and those trying to conceive. Their guidelines indicate that women in any trimester should avoid travel to destinations where active local Zika virus transmission is occurring. If pregnant women are required to travel to one of these areas, or live in one of them, the CDC suggests that they speak with their healthcare provider and adhere strictly to its steps to prevent mosquito bites. For more information on Zika and pregnancy, visit: www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/index.html. Perception #5 – People All Over Puerto Rico Are Infected With Zika THE REALITY – At this time, less than one half of one percent of the 3.5 million residents in Puerto Rico have contracted the Zika virus. More importantly, the majority of Zika cases are concentrated in areas away from typical tourist destinations. The Puerto Rican government has been working hand-in-hand with the CDC and the private sector to help combat the spread of Zika on the island. This collaboration has been paramount in keeping the number of Zika cases relatively low. For more information about the Zika virus in Puerto Rico, visit www.SeePuertoRico.com. About
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