Many Americans love to get away at Christmas. Whether you travel as a family, a couple or as a solo tripper it can be nice to get away from it all.
There are often cheaper vacation deals around the holidays as travel companies know people want to go to sunnier locations in the bleak mid-winter. And there are always Christmas cruise deals.
If you are looking to get away, we get it! While we’re here in San Diego, dreaming of a white Christmas, we understand that people in cold areas would love a green one. But if you are going to some areas, you should be aware that mosquitoes are carrying the chikungunya virus in several places around the world.
The virus hasn’t been seen in the U.S. since 2019. Now the CDC has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Guangdong Province in southern China. They said people should take extra precautions when visiting, as all four locations currently have outbreaks. They also warned that, while there aren’t currently outbreaks, there is a higher risk of infection in Brazil, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand.
A fever and severe joint pain are the most common symptoms of the virus. Other symptoms include fatigue, headache, joint swelling, muscle pain, nausea and a rash. Death is rare and usually occurs in infants, older people and those with other health problems. But patients can experience symptoms months or years after infection.
There are ways to protect yourself from infection. There is a vaccine for travelers at high risk that is recommended if you are going to an area with an outbreak. You can opt for long sleeves, bug repellent, staying in places with screened windows and A/C to keep the insects away. And, if someone in your party is pregnant, you may want to reconsider your destination.
If you notice that you have any symptoms of the chikungunya virus, seek medical help immediately. Pain relievers that reduce fevers can give you a temporary respite from the symptoms.
Dr. Stephen Blatt, an infectious disease specialist at TriHealth, said, "The best way to prevent it is to make sure you don't get mosquito bites, so if you are traveling in these areas, cover up in the evening, wear mosquito repellent and be cautious about getting mosquito bites."
