Many couples wanting to have one last fling before their baby is born are scheduling “babymoon” vacations to the Caribbean. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a travel notice concerning the risk of infection by a mosquito-borne Zika virus. This virus can infect a pregnant woman and cause babies to be born with brain damage. The infection can cause a catastrophic birth defect called microcephaly which results in reduced brain development of the baby.

The CDC upgraded the warning to a level two travel notice in the last few days and is recommending pregnant women to avoid travel to affected areas in Latin America and the Caribbean. All travelers to these areas are advised to use significant precautions against mosquito bites to avoid the virus. This is a good idea anyway for travelers to most tropical destinations.

Taking a cruise? The Cruise Lines International Association stays in close contact with public health officials about the Zika virus. It states that all cruise lines will keep passengers informed daily about health and safety information relevant to their destination including the Zika virus. Recommended repellants will be available on the cruise ships going to areas at risk for infection.

Perhaps, an alternative destination would be a better choice. Many warm-weather getaways in the U.S. can be great vacations. Consider Destin, Ft. Lauderdale, or the Keys in Florida. Want to go west? Check out San Diego or Palm Springs in California, or even the Hawaiian Island of Maui.

Check the CDC website for the most up-to-date information. You can still have a great “babymoon!”

CDC, expecting, pregnancy, pregnancy warning, travel, travel advisory, Zika virus | In the News Pregnancy The OBGYN Group of Austin