Fingers crossed...

[MadMonk80]

Just received this e-mail from Carnival regarding Zika virus being active in Grand Cayman island. :(

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ZIKA VIRUS HEALTH ADVISORY

August 16, 2016

Dear Carnival Guest,

 

We would like to provide you with some important health-related information to share with your clients.

 

On January 15, 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded their Zika virus travel health notice to "Alert Level 2", (Practice Enhanced Precautions) with specific affected areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America. You may have received our previous communications providing this information. However, we wanted to make you aware that as of August 11, 2016, the CDC notice now includes Grand Cayman among the affected areas. For the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus and countries affected, please visit the website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.

 

Zika virus is spread primarily through mosquitoes, which mainly bite during daytime hours. Symptoms of Zika typically develop 3-12 days after being bitten and may include fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from 2-7 days and most people who contract Zika experience no symptoms at all. Comprehensive health information can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.

 

There has been a recent increase in poor pregnancy outcomes among mothers who contracted Zika during pregnancy. These cases are being reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is still developing. For this reason, the CDC Advisory particularly impacts women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant.

 

The CDC advisory recommends that women who are pregnant in any trimester consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If pregnant women do opt to travel to Zika affected areas, the CDC recommends talking to their healthcare provider in advance and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip. Specific guidance for women who are trying to become pregnant is also included in the CDC advisory. More information can be found here:

 

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html .

 

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika Fever however individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses by following these steps prior to going ashore:

 

Apply insect repellent which contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.

If both sunscreen and insect repellent is used, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.

Repellent is available for purchase from the shops on board.

Wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, preferably of a light color to minimize the likelihood of being bitten.

Should you experience any symptoms of fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes) while sailing with us, please contact the ship's Medical Center or your doctor once you have returned home. Be sure to let your physician know about your recent travel.

 

Like you, we take all health issues seriously, and we hope this information is helpful. Thank you for taking the time to read this important information.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Adriana Yates, MD

Acting Medical Director

Carnival Cruise Line

[Micahs Grandad]

This is not news. If you are going with female of child bearing years would talk to DR before going on cruise to Caribbean

[IndyDenise]

Personally if I was pregnant or planning to be I would decline to go.

 

That "what ifs" would cause crazy stress. And, if Heaven forbid , something DID happen the guilt would kill me.

 

 

 

 

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[kctwinmommy]

Yep! Got this last week. Our entire cruise is in Zika infested areas. Not going to stress about it though. We'll take the precautions we can and have fun. I'm not planning on any pregnancies either, so I don't need to worry about that. If someone is, then they may want to reconsider.

[winddawn]

Personally if I was pregnant or planning to be I would decline to go.

 

That "what ifs" would cause crazy stress. And, if Heaven forbid , something DID happen the guilt would kill me.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Me too, Denise. I wouldn't feel comfortable covering my body in DEET either if I were pregnant.

[Working 2 cruise again]

We are doing Grand Cayman and Cozumel in November. I am "fixed" so no babies here to worry about, but I am worried about one of the ladies going with me. I am hoping that she won't cancel on me, but I don't really blame her if she does. I would be paranoid. I have bought the travel insurance so if she does I hope that means I am okay. I of course don't mind having a room to myself if I have to.

[Micahs Grandad]

Personally if I was pregnant or planning to be I would decline to go.

 

That "what ifs" would cause crazy stress. And, if Heaven forbid , something DID happen the guilt would kill me.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Agreed. Do not understand how someone could live with themselves if they went and baby paid the price.

[kylesplash]

This is not news. If you are going with female of child bearing years would talk to DR before going on cruise to Caribbean

 

If you are a guy, you can pass it on through sex. Luckily I have 3 kids, and my heart wouldn't be broken if I couldn't have anymore.