The message, from the Island’s Public Health Directorate, comes amid public concern over a recent outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil and a possible but as yet unproven link to babies being born with smaller than usual heads.
The virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites, generally causes mild symptoms, such as fever and joint pain, which can last from two to seven days.
The risk to unborn babies and lack of a vaccine, however, means that travel advice has been updated to state that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should consider avoiding travel to areas reporting active Zika virus transmission, such as the Americas and Caribbean.
Island residents can arrange a travel health consultation with a practice nurse through their GP surgery or can opt to visit a pharmacy that offers a travel health clinic.
Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said: “Recent reports in the media concerning the effects of the Zika virus have reminded many that unfortunately there can be health risks associated with overseas travel. Of course, we don’t wish to cause unnecessary alarm and the associated risks have to be put in context. For example only six cases of Zika virus have been diagnosed in people returning to the UK since 2014.
“We do though want everyone’s travel to be safe and enjoyable. With increased public awareness this is a timely opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of seeking early medical advice before travelling. Whilst the health service can assist with specific advice, as well as guidance on risk reduction and insect bite avoidance, medications and vaccinations; the responsibility to seek this – and to do so early enough for vaccinations to be effective – rests with individuals and families.”
A travel health consultation includes up-to-date information for each country that a person plans to visit, taking into account the activities they will take part in (be that a beach based holiday or a mountain trek for example), as well as a check on recommended vaccinations, malaria advice where appropriate, and the chance to discuss any other potential considerations – whether being safe in the sun, travelling with a pre-existing medical condition, or avoiding deep-vein thrombosis when flying long-haul.
The Public Health Directorate offers these general health tips for individuals travelling overseas:
- be aware, accidents are the biggest health risks on holiday
- extra preparations should be made if you have an existing medical condition (i.e. regular prescriptions)
- take out adequate travel insurance – the Isle of Man is not part of the European Union or the European Economic Area and so residents are not included within the European Health Insurance Card scheme (formerly Form E111)
- drink plenty of water in hot climates to avoid dehydration
- be aware HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases can be caught worldwide – take condoms with you as quality varies in different countries
- be safe in the sun - use a high-factor sunscreen and avoid excessive sunbathing between 11am and 3pm
- find out the local emergency services numbers and the number of the local hospital
- find out about your destination
- protect your health and enjoy your travel.
