Back in February, I opened an email from my in-laws that had me both excited and anxious. They had planned a surprise sailing trip to the Caribbean for my husband’s 30th birthday. As I read about the trip, my mind raced to the CDC’s Zika virus warnings. Sure enough, the islands we were visiting had reported Zika outbreaks. The dilemma hit me hard: “Should I skip this trip and risk disappointing my family, or should I go and potentially expose myself to Zika? I work closely with pregnant women; I can’t afford to take that risk!” After some back and forth, my dad helped me see the bright side of adventure. “Don’t let Zika ruin your vacation,” he said. So off I went, determined to be cautious.
I made sure to stay indoors at night, use bug spray with 30% DEET, and avoid mosquitoes as much as possible. I thought I’d done well—only six bites during the trip! But three days after returning home, I broke out in a rash that sent me into a panic. I did some quick research and found that the symptoms lined up perfectly with Zika: rash, joint pain, and fever. A visit to an infectious diseases doctor confirmed my fears—I tested positive for Zika.
It was a shocking realization. My first thought was relief over having access to reliable birth control. But then I started to worry about others—like the pregnant friend I had brunch with before showing symptoms. Thankfully, the risk of transmission through casual contact is low. But I couldn’t help but think about all those vacationers heading to the Caribbean. How many of them were pregnant or planning to become pregnant? Would they recognize the symptoms?
As of July 27, 2016, there were confirmed cases of Zika in the continental U.S., including pregnant women. The virus spreads primarily through mosquito bites but can also be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to baby during pregnancy. To protect yourself, here are some important steps:
- Avoid Travel: If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, steer clear of areas with active Zika outbreaks.
- Condom Use: If your partner has traveled to an outbreak area, use condoms during sex for the duration of your pregnancy.
- Be Cautious After Travel: If you’ve traveled to a Zika area and are not pregnant, avoid pregnancy for at least two months.
- Protect Against Mosquitoes: Wear bug spray, dress in long sleeves, and eliminate standing water around your home. Remember, Zika-carrying mosquitoes are active during the day.
For more detailed guidance on navigating Zika and pregnancy, check out this excellent resource. If you’re interested in learning about home insemination, you might find our post about it here. Also, if you’re considering artificial insemination options, this kit is a great choice.
In summary, my unexpected Zika encounter highlighted the importance of being informed and cautious, especially when traveling to areas with known outbreaks. Whether you’re planning a vacation or starting a family, knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones is crucial.