Should I avoid traveling if I am pregnant or simply take precautions (e.g. use a mosquito repellent)

Question

I am 8 weeks pregnant and would like to take a trip to the Dominican Republic with my family. I am wondering about the presence of Zika and the new recommendations. Health Canada has lifted the recommendation to avoid traveling to these countries but rather to talk to a health professional. My question seems to be missing the context. I am 8 weeks pregnant and would like to know your new recommendations regarding Zika if I am planning a trip to the Dominican Republic. Is this to be avoided completely or used the necessary precautions?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Good morning, ma'am, As of today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Government of Canada report that there is currently no active Zika outbreak reported in the Dominican Republic. However, the risk cannot be considered zero, considering the presence of mosquitoes that can potentially carry the disease and the possible delays in reporting cases in the country. The CDC recommends constant chemical and physical protection from mosquitoes (including a net around the bed at night) during travel and for 3 weeks afterward . If you go with your partner, it is recommended that they wear a condom during sex until the end of the pregnancy , even if they have no symptoms. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as zero risk and it is indeed possible to pass the disease to the baby. Here are the sources: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/dominican-republic?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001 https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/zika Sincerely, Tom Samaha, pharmacist