[2016] Traveling to Aruba - Zika virus

[lumpy]

I know there is a lot of hype about this virus lately. My wife and I have a week trip to Aruba in April and was wondering for those who have traveled to Aruba lately if there were any issues getting in and out because of that.

 

[m61376]

No reports of the virus in Aruba

 

[AJCts411]

Zika, as you probably know is transmitted by those pesky mosquito's. Real danger is with those who are pregnant. This is a link to an article....https://www.indagare.com/destinations/world/articles/top-10-zika-free-beach-vacations. Carrabean is said to be free of zika. Over in Roatan, and some other islands, it is present. It's been a topic we follow closely, last year on out annual Roatan trip, daughter inlaw pregnant, canceled...this year, my daughter, canceled also pregnat. Only one more child to go...maybe next year lol. .

 

[Chrisky]

There are no issues with getting or out of any Caribbean country. The problem could arise because of mosquitos ever present in the caribbean. There may not be an outbreak of Zika, but regular precautions are important - like using a good mosquito repellent with Deet, applied properly. There are also other diseases one can get from mosquitos such as Dengue and Chickungunya.
I am sure your country has travel and health advisories, check them out.

 

[Fasttr]

Just pointing out this is a 2016 thread.

 

[qlaval]

Zika is not a problem for Aruba, but Dengue is, so using mosquitoes repellent might be a good idea.

 

[Passepartout]

This thread was resurrected by a first day newbie who blasted out a half dozen unrelated posts- none regarding TS- in about 5 minutes, then disappeared just as quickly.

If a Mod sees this, the poster deserves watching.

Jim

 

[bazzap]

Accepting this post originated 4 years ago, the UK Foreign & Commonwealth office (perhaps being over cautious) still advises

Aruba travel advice

FCDO travel advice for Aruba. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

UK health authorities have classified Aruba as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice, visit the website of the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

 

[OneTwoThree]

I was wondering as well if Aruba is a good destination for a two week trip. To be honest, I was really afraid to choose an unsafe destination, more than that I would be really upset if my vacation would be ruined by something. That's why I was searching for all kinds of useful information about Aruba Destination. Fortunately, I have found this article https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/aruba/ There was all the information I was looking for a long time in the other sources, now me and my wife are heading up to Aruba, wish me luck and a good trip

 

[dgf15215]

Hey, you'll have a terrific time. We're headed back there for the sixth or seventh time at the end of the week. Beautiful pools, a great collection of restaurants and shops just a few minutes easy walk away, what might be the best steak house of all time, El Gaucho, a drive or taxi away but worth the effort.

 

[enma]

This zika virus is in my mind. We go to Aruba every summer and I know my DIL is trying to get pregnant. Wondering if it safe for her to travel to Aruba. CDC has Aruba on the low caution level unlike UK health authorities

 

[m61376]

I wonder if the difference is that the UK site groups the Caribbean Islands (Netherlands) including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustasius, and Sint Maarten, while the CDC is more region specific. I know that when Zika was considered an issue they did widespread mosquito control, which may be why it is now in hte green zone according to the CDC.

 

[Dean]

This zika virus is in my mind. We go to Aruba every summer and I know my DIL is trying to get pregnant. Wondering if it safe for her to travel to Aruba. CDC has Aruba on the low caution level unlike UK health authorities

The risk is probably more in certain areas of the US than Aruba. I wouldn't go anywhere with a current outbreak but the alternative is to not travel or to only go to places that have never had zika. Like West Nile and many others, it's a risk but one that can be limited by reasonable measures.