Originally Posted by
jdrtravel
Hi, I was trying to find a master thread on Zika but can't seem to find any. I have read all of the CDC information, etc. I'm curious to hear from people who have been in Tulum/Yucatan very recently and/or are planning to be there this Fall. What are your thoughts about Zika?
We have a trip planned for Tulum in November and some in our group are concerned. Not just women who might get pregnant, but also concerns about possible side effects for all people. Anyone have any wisdom? How concerned are people in Tulum about this?
Zika is possible, given day biting Aedes mosquitos are common in the Quintana Roo area, but dengue is more likely (both day and night biters can transmit Zika virus). On open coast with breezes is best, entering forest near human habitation is worst - particularly if wearing dark clothing (my unthinking black tee shirt at Oxtankah forested archaeological site earned me a nasty case of dengue.
Dengue has more notable and painful symptoms than Zika, and is more common. Take mosquito precautions, read, be prepared. Take a set of long sleeve / long leg lightweight clothing impregnated with permethrin, which persists through several clothes washings, take an approved repellent for application on exposed areas. Confine bathing attire, tee shirts and shorts to beaches and areas with breezes, etc.
See
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/plan-for-travel.html
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/p...ito-bites.html
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/...a-virus-mexico
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html