|
We know Zika is a big concern for many of you, and the health and safety of all our guests is a top priority. There is no Zika virus in San Miguel de Allende or Mexico City. The virus is carried by a strain of mosquito (Aedes species) that is not found in high altitude areas – including the majority of Central Mexico. Therefore, since the carrier of the virus does not exist in San Miguel/Mexico City, there have been no cases of Zika in the area and there is no risk of infection for our guests.
|
Zika-specific FAQ
CAN I CONTRACT THE ZIKA VIRUS IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE?
The World Health Organization doesn't think so. Although the Zika virus is present in coastal and tropical areas of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is located in mountainous high desert where the genus of mosquito carrying the Zika virus is not found. This NY Times article provides excellent maps and information about the virus and its prevalence. By best estimates, you are (unfortunately) more likely to contract Zika in the southern US than in central Mexico. Additionally, the World Health Organization has indicated it's safe for all people to travel to areas of higher elevation since the mosquitoes who carry the virus can't live in those climates. See the official advisory here.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GET PREGNANT IN THE FUTURE? WILL TRAVELLING TO SMA CREATE ANY RISKS?
The CDC has confirmed that contracting the Zika virus prior to pregnancy will not have any affect on fertility or the health of future pregnancies. Those infected with Zika are advised to wait until the virus has left the blood/semen before trying for conception. The virus lasts approximately 1 to 2 weeks in the blood; and approximately 1 to 2 months in the semen. Note that the El Salvadoran government recommended in January that infected prospective parents wait 2 years before conceiving, but this recommendation was rejected by the CDC and World Health Organization due to a complete lack of scientific evidence. Again, all of these conception guidelines assume that you actually contract the virus in SMA – and the virus does not exist in Central Mexico. You can read more about fertility and Zika at the World Health Organization, the NY Times, Genesis Fertility, Fertility Authority and USC Fertility.
SHOULD I CONSULT MY HOME DOCTOR ABOUT ZIKA BEFORE TRAVELLING?
Sure, but your doctor is not likely a reliable expert on tropical diseases. The best source for accurate, up-to-date information and research regarding Zika is the Centers for Disease Control Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is the leading national public health institute in the United States and is the leader in Zika research. In fact, the CDC has created a dedicated investigative task force of scientists with expertise in arboviruses like Zika, reproductive health, birth defects, and developmental disabilities, and travel health. The CDC is also collaborating with other key global health entities (governmental and non-governmental) to provide to-the-minute updates and cutting edge Zika research. Truly, there is no entity more reliable than the CDC, and informed health providers are most likely guided by CDC recommendations. If you have immediate questions about Zika, call the CDC INFO line at: (800) 232-4636.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK OF CONTRACTING ZIKA?
Unless you’re planning to travel to one of the areas in Mexico where Zika is found, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll contract the disease. However, you can further reduce risk by:
The World Health Organization doesn't think so. Although the Zika virus is present in coastal and tropical areas of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is located in mountainous high desert where the genus of mosquito carrying the Zika virus is not found. This NY Times article provides excellent maps and information about the virus and its prevalence. By best estimates, you are (unfortunately) more likely to contract Zika in the southern US than in central Mexico. Additionally, the World Health Organization has indicated it's safe for all people to travel to areas of higher elevation since the mosquitoes who carry the virus can't live in those climates. See the official advisory here.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GET PREGNANT IN THE FUTURE? WILL TRAVELLING TO SMA CREATE ANY RISKS?
The CDC has confirmed that contracting the Zika virus prior to pregnancy will not have any affect on fertility or the health of future pregnancies. Those infected with Zika are advised to wait until the virus has left the blood/semen before trying for conception. The virus lasts approximately 1 to 2 weeks in the blood; and approximately 1 to 2 months in the semen. Note that the El Salvadoran government recommended in January that infected prospective parents wait 2 years before conceiving, but this recommendation was rejected by the CDC and World Health Organization due to a complete lack of scientific evidence. Again, all of these conception guidelines assume that you actually contract the virus in SMA – and the virus does not exist in Central Mexico. You can read more about fertility and Zika at the World Health Organization, the NY Times, Genesis Fertility, Fertility Authority and USC Fertility.
SHOULD I CONSULT MY HOME DOCTOR ABOUT ZIKA BEFORE TRAVELLING?
Sure, but your doctor is not likely a reliable expert on tropical diseases. The best source for accurate, up-to-date information and research regarding Zika is the Centers for Disease Control Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is the leading national public health institute in the United States and is the leader in Zika research. In fact, the CDC has created a dedicated investigative task force of scientists with expertise in arboviruses like Zika, reproductive health, birth defects, and developmental disabilities, and travel health. The CDC is also collaborating with other key global health entities (governmental and non-governmental) to provide to-the-minute updates and cutting edge Zika research. Truly, there is no entity more reliable than the CDC, and informed health providers are most likely guided by CDC recommendations. If you have immediate questions about Zika, call the CDC INFO line at: (800) 232-4636.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK OF CONTRACTING ZIKA?
Unless you’re planning to travel to one of the areas in Mexico where Zika is found, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll contract the disease. However, you can further reduce risk by:
- wearing quality mosquito repellent
- wearing long sleeves/pants
- avoiding unprotected sexual contact
