Though the Zika virus and its potential link to birth defects continue to attract daily news coverage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently removed travel warnings for four high-altitude Latin American cities.
The CDC determined these destinations pose a minimal risk for Zika because the mosquito species that transmit the virus thrive in warm, humid environments—not at higher, drier elevations.
Mexico City, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador; La Paz, Bolivia; and Bogotá, Colombia have been removed from the agency’s travel alerts because they sit at roughly 6,500 feet or higher, where the local climate is not favorable for the disease-carrying mosquitoes.
There is currently no vaccine for Zika. Although most infections cause only mild symptoms, Zika has been associated with serious birth defects when pregnant women become infected. For that reason, the CDC continues to advise extra caution for travelers who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Men who have recently traveled to Zika-affected areas should also follow guidance to prevent sexual transmission to partners who are pregnant.
The CDC’s travel guidance focuses on areas in the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific Islands and South America where mosquito-borne transmission has been reported; travelers to those regions should take mosquito-avoidance precautions and consult official recommendations before and after travel.
For the most up-to-date information on the outbreak and official prevention advice, consult the CDC’s Zika resources.