Caribbean Hotels Get Zika Prevention Guidelines

The Caribbean Public Health Agency, in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has issued guidelines for hotels and guesthouses in the Caribbean to help prevent and prepare for the Zika virus, which has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control in more than 20 countries/territories in the Caribbean and Latin America.

There is no vaccine or treatment available for Zika, a mosquito-borne virus. Since Zika is new to the Caribbean, almost everyone is susceptible to the infection, particularly pregnant women in whom the virus has been linked to birth defects.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency advises hoteliers to stay informed about the Zika situation in their country and in other Caribbean countries.

Hoteliers should provide staff and guests with information so they can know the signs and symptoms of the virus, how it is transmitted and how it can be prevented.

Insect repellent should be placed in every room and be available for purchase; water should not be stored in outdoor containers, which can become mosquito breeding sites, and water tanks should be covered.

The health agency cautioned against the buildup of garbage, which attracts mosquitos, and advised that garbage should be in plastic bags in closed containers.

Gutters and drains should be uncovered and unblocked to release stagnant water, and screens should be installed on windows and doors.

Travelers should apply insect repellent, sleep in air-conditioned rooms and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly at dusk.

Source: Travel Weekly