Yes. You should be concerned.
Here’s why: As with previous mosquito-borne viruses — such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus,and yellow fever — Zika virus will eventually spread around the globe, and even climates that have no mosquitoes won’t be entirely safe from it as travelers will bring it home with them.
What’s important to remember: For most people not only is the risk of infection minimal, but if you do get bitten by a Zika-carrying mosquito the effects are generally mild and no worse than any other flu. Those at higher risk include women who are pregnant and couples who are trying to get pregnant, as the Zika virus has been linked to birth defects, including microcephaly. The CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) advises those women/couples to avoid travel to areas where Zika has been reported.
What can you do? Be SURE to ask what the resort you’re planning to visit is doing to control the mosquito population on their property (most all-inclusive resorts take mosquito control very seriously and will use sprays and other means to keep them at bay), and ALWAYS check the website of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention for the most current information on Zika Virus.
