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Old 13-08-2016, 10:55   #1
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Zika Virus

I'm still in the planning stages, but would like to sail to the islands this winter. However, it looks as though every island between Miami and South America now has the Zika virus.
It concerns me somewhat. Anyone canceling plans or taking extra precautions with regards to sailing to the Bahamas, Caribbean, etc?
Would be interested in other opinions.
Thanks,
Ken
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Old 13-08-2016, 11:05   #2
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Re: Zika Virus

Unless you or your sexual partner are actively looking to have kids and may become exposed during gestation, Zika isn't really a huge threat. Most people mild fatigue symptoms.

I use insect repellent sprayed on light clothing and mosquito nets are a blessing. But that's to avoid bites in general and not focused on Zika. Denge fever isn't pleasant either. About twenty years ago I was in southern Formosa and actually saw a mosquito with hardly any wings physically climb through a mosquito net by weaving between fibers.
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Old 13-08-2016, 12:53   #3
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Re: Zika Virus

Quite right, its not as severe as many of the other mosquito borne viruses. We are in Grenada and caught it a few weeks back - red rash, muscle aches, feverish, all over two days. My wife also caught it a few days later. 80% of people show no symptoms. But remains in your sperm for up to six months they say. The danger is for pregnant women and the consequences of that hence all the press about it. If kids are not in your immediate plans then stock up with repellant and apply it during the day as well as night. If your at a breezy anchorage you haven't much to worry about.
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Old 13-08-2016, 23:54   #4
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Re: Zika Virus

freelandken,

There was a long thread on this subject here on CF a few months back. Perhaps a search of the archives will give you more info.

Try a Google Custom Search, on the CF Search menu.

Ann
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Old 14-08-2016, 08:27   #5
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Re: Zika Virus

y´all have zika, dengue, chikingunya and zika and malaria and whatever else comes up ......
is a mosquito-borne virus infested world out here.
pays money takes chances.
is why gods made deet. and mosquito netting and screens.
happy sails
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Old 14-08-2016, 09:33   #6
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Re: Zika Virus

Yes. There is a long thread on Zika. Look it up.

Basically, you do not want to be pregnant (microcephaly) and you do not want to be older (GBS), just like with nearly any other virus related stuff.

We are in the same situation willing to be there this winter but hesitant as we did get chiku last time around and it was horrible. TRULY HORRIBLE. I mean it.

We have a friend who nearly died from dengue.

And so we are very, very cautious seeing if we can, to any extent, lower the chances of getting Zika this time.

There is a Zika shot by now, but not available to the public.

I monitor Zika on Martinique via this site:

Downloads | Legislation in Health | Servicios de Salud y Acceso | Sistemas y Servicios de Salud - Español | Health Systems and Services

and I believe in a similar manner you can get actual paho data for the countries that you want to visit.

MIND many countries have zero reporting facilities and/or intention - you can see very low number of cases where in fact the risk is very serious (e.g. St Lucia, Haiti, etc.).

Cheers,
b.
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Old 18-08-2016, 16:12   #7
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Re: Zika Virus

Thank you all who replied.
I do appreciate your input.
Ken
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