Most Americans Prone to Cancel Travel due to Zika Virus

As much as 64 percent of Americans would cancel travel plans to affected countries amid the ongoing Zika virus outbreak, according to a new survey released today from travel risk management company On Call International.

Additionally, 69 percent of all women stated they would cancel their travel and 37 percent of women aged 25-34 were the most likely to cancel their trip if their doctor advised them to – a safe response considering the potential links of Zika to birth defects such as microcephaly.

This is ahead of the international health authority, the WHO’s, call for an emergency committee meeting on Monday in Geneva, to address the Zika virus' spread, its effects and whether the outbreak should be declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Full survey results can be read in the attached PDF, and include:

- 64 percent of all respondents say they would cancel their trip to affected countries amid the Zika virus outbreak
- 41 percent of men are more likely to proceed with travel plans versus women (32 percent)
- 40 percent of men aged 18-24 were the most likely to cancel their travel plans if their doctor advised them to.

Dr. Robert Wheeler, Chief Medical Officer at On Call International, acknowledges that there are risks associated with travel to regions where the Zika virus has been confirmed, and individuals who plan to proceed with travel plans should educate themselves on how to best avoid getting infected with the virus.

Addressing the concern for women and the potential link to Zika virus and birth defects, Dr. Wheeler states: “Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant within a month of visiting a country with an active Zika virus outbreak, should postpone their travel plans in order to avoid the risk of Zika virus infection while pregnant.”