In some tropical and subtropical countries visited by Russian tourists, an unfavorable epidemiological situation has developed: an increase in the incidence of Zika fever is recorded there. This disease is dangerous for pregnant women. Having become infected with the virus, they risk giving birth to a child with microcephaly.
Rospotrebnadzor calls on pregnant women and women planning a pregnancy, when traveling to countries that are problematic for the Zika virus, to pay attention to mosquito bites, as these insects are carriers of the infection. At the slightest sign of illness - a rash, headache, joint aches, general malaise - it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.
Tourists need to take measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes - this can be done with repellents, mosquito nets and light-colored clothing that covers the body as much as possible. Containers of water, such as buckets, flower pots, should be closed and rinsed regularly. It is near the water that mosquitoes actively reproduce.
Also, tourists are advised to check with the territorial bodies of Rospotrebnadzor and tour operators about the epidemiological situation in the country where they intend to go, and choose a country for recreation where there is no Zika virus.
There is no cure for Zika, and there is no vaccine for the virus that causes it.