Is It Safe To Visit The Dominican Republic When Expecting A Child?

Pregnant travelers can generally travel safely with appropriate preparation, but they should avoid certain destinations, including those with risk of Zika and malaria. The National Migration Council prohibited the entry of pregnant foreigners to Dominican territory as part of a series of measures issued by resolution yesterday. Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime, including violent crime. Visitors to the Dominican Republic should follow normal safety precautions, such as going out in groups, using licensed taxi drivers, and drinking alcohol.

Air travel is safe during pregnancy, despite concerns regarding cosmic radiation and low oxygen levels in the passenger compartment. The risk in both cases is negligible. However, if you fly while pregnant, check the cut-off dates with your airline and follow the doctor’s advice. Zika can spread through mosquito bites and sex, and the CDC recommends special precautions for women who are pregnant: do not travel to any area of the Dominican Republic below 6,500 feet.

Women should avoid becoming pregnant while traveling in the country and for 2 months (8 weeks) after their last possible Zika virus exposure. The last reported case in the Dominican Republic was 2017, so it is classified as a risk. FCDO travel advice for the Dominican Republic includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences. Practice safe food and water precautions, including only eating properly cooked and still hot food when served. Pregnant women, children under 5, and those with a history of Zika transmission should also be cautious.

Is there a Zika virus in the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic has a history of Zika Virus transmission, but there is no ongoing outbreak. Limited information exists, and new cases may be delayed. Pregnant travelers should take anti-mosquito bite measures during the day and seek counseling from a travel medicine specialist. Zika Virus infection is caused by the Flaviviridae family and is primarily transmitted by infected daytime biting female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

The virus can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The virus is present in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, tropical areas of Southeast Asia, Oceania, and parts of Africa. Long-term travelers and aid or missionary workers in endemic areas are at greater risk.

Is the Dominican Republic safe for babymoon?

The author and her husband recently returned from a babymoon in Punta Cana, a tropical paradise where they enjoyed a week of relaxation and unwinding before the baby’s arrival in just three months. They chose Punta Cana for its easy accessibility from South Carolina, with a short 30 minute flight from GSP to ATL and a 3ish hour flight from ATL to PUJ. The author recommends two resorts in Punta Cana: Paradisus Grand Cana and Paradisus Palma Real, both of which have been recommended for their safety, food quality, and overall experience.

The author has written reviews for both resorts, and they are located next to each other and share a beach. The pros and cons of each resort are discussed, and the author encourages others to consider a babymoon as a great way to unwind and enjoy a tropical vacation before the baby arrives in just three months.

Can you go to the Dominican Republic if you’re pregnant?

Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider about travel suitability and potential Zika virus risks. They should avoid mosquito bites, especially during daytime, as there is no vaccination or medication to prevent Zika virus infection.

Can you go to Cancun while pregnant?

Zika, a virus, is still present in Mexico and the Centers for Disease Control advises pregnant women not to travel there. However, the incidence rates in and around Cancun are some of the lowest in Mexico, and there is no need to report it. To ensure travel safety in Cancun, follow these simple tips:

1. Stay informed about the virus and its symptoms.
2. Use public transportation or walk instead of taxis.
3. Stay informed about local events and attractions.

What countries can you not travel to when pregnant?

Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with high malaria risk, such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, as they may experience symptoms like fever, chills, headache, and nausea and vomiting. If you have further questions, consult your ob-gyn. This information is an educational aid for the public, offering current information and opinions related to women’s health, but it is not a substitute for the advice of a physician. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ complete disclaimer is also provided.

Is Zika still a thing in 2024?

The World Health Organization is preparing to submit a peer-reviewed manuscript for the 2024 update of its global epidemiology of Zika virus transmission. The update will provide a comprehensive overview of the virus’s transmission and congenital Zika syndrome worldwide. The map of countries with Zika transmission and list of countries with Zika and vectors has been updated to reflect changes since the last epidemiologic update in 2022. Zika transmission persists in several countries but has generally been at low levels throughout 2018 to the present.

Three countries have been added to the list of countries with evidence of autochthonous, mosquito-borne transmission, and two countries have been added to the list of countries with established Aedes aegypti populations but no documented Zika transmission. The findings emphasize the importance of sustained vigilance for early detection, response, risk monitoring, vector control, and the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics.

What to avoid abroad when pregnant?

Zika and Malaria are two diseases that can cause severe birth defects due to the transmission of the virus through mosquito bites and sex. Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with high risk of Zika and malaria, and if they must, use insect repellent and avoid other steps to avoid bug bites. Pregnant travelers can generally travel safely with appropriate preparation, but they should avoid certain destinations. Before booking a cruise or air travel, check airlines or cruise operator policies for pregnant women.

Some airlines allow travel until 36 weeks, while cruises may not allow travel after 24-28 weeks. A doctor’s note from a doctor may be required for travel after 24-28 weeks. If you have a sex partner who lives in or has traveled to areas with Zika, use condoms for the rest of your pregnancy.

Which tropical holiday has no Zika?

The Zika virus has lessened the immediate threat to travelers worldwide, with Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas, St. Barth’s, Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Grenada declared Zika-free by the CDC. However, pregnant women and those who may become pregnant should discuss potential risks with their healthcare providers, as transmission is still possible and the virus has been linked to serious birth defects.

As a result, some travelers are turning to alternate destinations, such as honeymoon-worthy African islands and stylish coastal resorts in Europe, for warm-weather escapes. Contact Indagare to book a trip to one of these Zika-free beach destinations.

Can I go to the Caribbean while pregnant?

Pregnancy can be a time of increased risk for both mother and unborn baby due to the increased risk of severe diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and yellow fever. It is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to tropical destinations during pregnancy, especially those with high risks of these diseases. Women should also take maternity notes with them, including information about pre-existing medical conditions and blood group, in case of medical care needs during travel. Postponing non-essential travel to areas with ongoing high risk of Zika virus transmission is also advised.

What Caribbean island has no Zika virus?

Bermuda, a small Caribbean island known for its pink sand beaches and pastel cottages, is included in a list of safe destinations due to its isolation. However, the following Caribbean destinations have been infected with the Zika Virus, but there is no current outbreak. Before visiting, consult a healthcare provider about potential risks and prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure. Antigua, a popular destination for celebrities like Eric Clapton and Oprah, is known for its 365 beaches, offering a variety of powdery white sand beaches for visitors to enjoy. It is important to consider these destinations when planning a trip to avoid Zika-related risks.

What trimester of pregnancy is the Zika virus?

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can lead to birth defects of the brain or eye, resulting in congenital Zika syndrome. These defects can occur alone or with developmental issues. Not all babies born with congenital Zika syndrome will have all conditions, and some may develop microcephaly later. Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected, and babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that may not have developed properly. Some babies may appear healthy at birth but may develop long-term health problems as they grow.