Does the Zika Outbreak Mean You Shouldn't Travel to Florida?
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control added a portion of Miami Beach to their Zika-related advisory, and now, Florida officials are investigating a possible case of locally-transmitted Zika in the Tampa Bay area.
So what does the spread of Zika mean for travelers?
If you or your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant speak with your doctor before making the trip to Miami.
The CDC minces no words in their travel advisory: "Pregnant women should avoid travel to the designated area of Miami Beach, in addition to the designated area of Wynwood, both located in Miami-Dade County, because active local transmission of Zika has been confirmed."
The statement cautioned that pregnant women should avoid the two Florida neighborhoods now under advisement, and also consider postponing travel to all of Miami-Dade County.
Dr. Laura Riley, the vice chair of obstetrics at Massachusetts General Hospital, agrees. "It does not matter what trimester pregnancy that you're in," she says. Do not travel to an area with known Zika transmissions.
Because Zika can be transmitted sexually as well as through mosquitos, the partners of pregnant women, and women who are trying to conceive should also steer clear of the area.
Riley recommends waiting eight weeks before trying to conceive if you or your partner has been to a region with known transmissions, and six months for men who experienced Zika symptoms or know they contracted the virus.
Riley is also of the safe-not-sorry mindset. "If you're anywhere near Miami," she says. "Be concerned. And if you have the option not to go there, and have the option not to go to Florida. Don't go."
If you still plan on going, don't panic.
For most people (approximately 4 out of 5) Zika doesn't manifest any symptoms, and those who do get sick from the virus experience mild, flu-like symptoms.
If you are not pregnant, your partner is not pregnant, and you do not play to get pregnant in the next eight weeks, enjoy your vacation, but stay vigilant. You don't want to risk an unplanned pregnancy, and for public health reasons, you don't want to spread Zika.
Riley recommends taking steps to prevent mosquito bites like wearing long sleeves and pants and applying bug repellant liberally. Also, this is one of those times when it's best to use air conditioning instead of opening the windows. And practice safe sex, specifically using condoms.
If you want to cancel your trip:
Check your travel insurance.
If your insurance allows you to cancel for any reason, take advantage. Unfortunately, most standard policies aren't that generous, but look to see if your policy includes "change of mind" as acceptable reason to cancel. If that phrase is in there, you could recoup the majority of your funds.
And if you used a travel agent to book your trip, be sure to call them, too. Often, they have the power to negotiate with airlines, hotels, and other travel providers through their industry relationships.
Contact your airline.
Ring up your carrier to see if you can change or cancel your flight. Some of the airlines flying into Miami-Dade are offering Zika-related assistance, but be sure to read the fine print. On United, for example, they're offering to refund or rebook tickets, but only if they were purchased before August 3. On Delta, some customers may qualify for a change in destination, travel dates, or a refund.
Reach out to your hotel.
While hotels in the area have yet to put formal cancellation policies in place, give your accommodations a call. According to Erina Pindar, Managing Director of luxury travel agency SmarterFlyer, "Most properties have been understanding if the clients choose not to go because of Zika. Most luxury properties also have flexible cancel policy, meaning that rooms can be cancelled within 24-48 hours." The New York Times is also reporting that several properties in the area are upping their pest control and providing mosquito repellents to guests.
