Zika virus disease is typically transmitted by an Aedes species(Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus) mosquito bite. It can also be transmitted by unprotected sexual contact with someone who’s infected.
What are the Zika virus infection Symptoms?
Though many of the individuals infected with Zika virus won’t present symptoms, in 18% of cases Zika disease or Zika fever usually causes mild illness characterized by:
Fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and has been associated with severe birth defects as microcephaly in infants born to women infected while pregnant.
Zika virus treatment
There’s no vaccine nor specific treatment for Zika.
Here’s how you should treat the symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Treat fever and pain. It’s not recommended to take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- If you are on medication for another medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking additional medication.
Zika in the Dominican Republic
The Caribbean is among the areas where Zika is actually present. Though not many cases have been reported Zika is present in the country since January 2016.
At the time, the Dominican Republic is considered to have a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission.
Mosquito season: are mosquitoes a problem in DR?
There’s not really a mosquito season in the Dominican Republic, being situated in the tropics and having mild to high temperatures all year long, the Ae. Aegipti mosquito – that’s endemic in the territory- is always active, especially in the rainy season.
Although the area is highly exposed, all Punta Cana resorts take it very seriously and adopt preventive measures as fumigation against mosquitos, doing it every evening in green areas and near the buildings.
Worst time of day for mosquitoes
Travellers should avoid mosquito bites -especially between dawn and dusk- by applying mosquito repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves.
Here’s what Dom B had to say about his experience with mosquitoes in Punta Cana on the Tripadvisor forum:
got back from Punta Cana last week after 2 amazing weeks.
I had 1 bite on my hand..cleared up within about 5 minutes after putting some cooling gel on it. 1 child had no bites, my other child had 3 small bites on his ankle. again…applied cooling gel and he was fine.
my wife had a couple bites.. again…cleared up after 5 minutes. Had a party of 16 of us and in total about 20-25 bites between us all. – the place is sprayed constantly (Grand Palladium)… please do not panic or worry!!!! scaremongering! – nobody was ill or anything.
Is it safe to travel to Punta Cana while pregnant?
- It is recommended that pregnant women consider postponing non-essential travels until after pregnancy.
- Women should avoid becoming pregnant while traveling, and for 8 weeks after last possible exposure.
- Couples should avoid conception while traveling.
- If a woman develops symptoms compatible with Zika infection, it is recommended she avoids a pregnancy 8 weeks following the symptom onset.
- Women who visited a risk area while pregnant, or who become pregnant within 8 weeks after leaving or after possible exposure, should contact their doctor for further advice, even if they have no symptoms.
- CDC authorities recommend that pregnant women should postpone non-essential travels until after the pregnancy. (CDC website)
Hello!
I’m actually going to the Dominican next week and I’m taking extra precautions. I bought the mosquito repellent you spray on your clothes and spray for your skin and lotion. I’m currently 18 weeks pregnant and my OBGYN said to take extra precautions.
Just curious if you got any bite or have an advice? Going to punta cana on Friday and am very early pregnant.
How was your trip? My wife is 2 months pregnant and we are going at the end of April. Were there a lot of mosquitos?
Hello I would like to know how your trip went I too am pregnant and seeking advice as to if there was many mosquitos and what I should be cautious of
Hi I am going to Punta Cana Next month it’s a non refundable ticket I have just realized that the mosquitos carry Zika.. I was wondering how did your trip go? I am 20 weeks pregnant
I am going on a trip to punta Cana as a brides maid for a wedding in April, at which time I may be about 5 months pregnant. We already bought our tickets and everything. I feel like as long as I am cautious about being protective against getting bit by a mosquito, ( not staying out during or past dusk, or making sure I put on a safe big repellent) I should be ok. What other things should I think about, besides being careful about the food I eat. What further comments can you give about swimming, sun exposure. Etc Thank you!
I’m in the same boat… I’m in a wedding in the DR in Feb and already booked the trip, but just found out I’m pregnant. Is your doctor fine with you going?
I am in the same situation. Are you ladies still going? My doctor said I still can but should be cautious.
Hello I’m in the same boat I will be 5 months going to DR and I was wondering how your experience went?? If you got to go? And what would be the best thing to take and use to not get bit?
My daughter went to punta Cana in June 2018
When she came back 3 weeks and found out she was pregnant
She went to OB/GYN and she gave a scared saying to her that she has Zika
How can you tell if you haven’t been tested
Can you be tested if you have it
For my daughter that she is worried
Hi Lisette, I recommend reading this article on Zika by the Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/diagnosis.html