Ecuador at level II alert for Zika Virus transmission per CDC

CDC.GOV – Alert – Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions – ECUADOR ZIKA VIRUS
Note: This travel notice was updated on October 17, 2016, to include updated guidance for people planning to conceive and guidance to prevent sexual transmission of Zika.

Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes in Ecuador are infected with Zika virus and are spreading it to people. Text PLAN to 855-255-5606 to receive Zika updates for your destination.

Because Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes, CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves from mosquito bites. The mosquitoes that spread Zika usually do not live at elevations above 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) because of environmental conditions. Travelers whose itineraries are limited to areas above this elevation are at minimal risk of getting Zika from a mosquito. The following map shows areas of Ecuador above and below 6,500 feet

exual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, so you should use condoms or not have sex during your trip.

Many people infected with Zika virus do not get sick. Among those who do develop symptoms, sickness is usually mild, with symptoms that last for several days to a week. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis for a few weeks to several months. CDC research suggests that GBS is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with recent Zika virus infection get GBS. Most people fully recover from GBS, but some have permanent damage. For more information, see Zika and GBS.

As more information becomes available, this travel notice will be updated. Please check back frequently for the most up-to-date recommendations.
What can travelers do to prevent Zika?

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. You can protect yourself by preventing mosquito bites:

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE, also called para-menthane-diol [PMD]), IR3535, or 2-undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone). Always use as directed.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can use all EPA-registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
Most repellents, including DEET, can be used on children older than 2 months. (OLE should not be used on children younger than 3 years.)
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.

Because Zika can be spread by sex, if you have sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) while traveling, you should use condoms. Read Full Article from CDC

SAFETY, HEALTH, SECURITY IN ECUADOR READ THE BOOK – 100 POINTS TO CONSIDER BEFORE MOVING OR RETIRING IN ECUADOR