August 2016 Moms

Zika Virus

My doc is advising I cancel my trip to Hawaii this March :-(. No more baby moon for us. But more importantly, I'm super worried about this summer and what's going on.

Has anyone else canceled travel plans?

Sounds like they're expecting this to spread in the US over the summer and there may not be any symptoms
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Re: Zika Virus

  • There is a thread already on this if you search. Lot of women cancelling or considering.
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  • I couldn't find the other thread except for on other boards, so I'm responding here....I personally wouldn't cancel unless I was traveling to one of the countries that are mainly affected.  I think it's going to be similar to the ebola thing - 20 people with it in the US is not an epidemic.  The govt has actually known about this for a while and it's coming out now to cover up other shady business (surprise surprise).
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  • I have a trip planned to PR for a wedding later this year.  I have seriously considered cancelling but ultimately decided that we will likely have it right outside my door by spring anyway so whats the point?  I'll just load up on DEET and stay away from mosquito ridden areas.  I might change my mind as more information is known so I'm keeping an eye on it but I'm not going to lock myself in my house for the next 7 months on very sparse information either.
  • Pepper6Pepper6 member
    edited January 2016
    I'm surprised they recommended canceling to Hawaii since it's not one of the areas affected. In actuality, it'll probably be one of the areas least affected because of how remote the islands are (yes, there was a case there, but it was someone who contracted it in Brazil).

    I'm still planning to go to Hawaii in May, I'll just be overly cautious with pregnancy safe bug spray (and will do that at home too during mosquito season since they said it's likely to spread here).
  • Thanks for your thoughts ladies. I feel the same way. From everything I've read, Hawaii should be perfectly safe. Now the question is- will this scare prevent me from being able to relax and enjoy myself? Unfortunately I'm one of the lucky ladies the mosquitos find irresistible
  •  I wouldn't worry at all about going to Hawaii. It isn't a part of the list of places to be "extra cautious" about. So, I would totally still go on that trip if I had it!

    This has been something that I have had VERY hard decisions to make. I have a 7 day cruise Feb 13th to the Caribbean. Its a family cruise with about 15 of us all ages from 7-80. I didn't want to cancel because this trip means to world to my grandmother in law to have her whole family with her (she thinks her time is up soon...:/) Also, I wouldn't get hardly any money back because we didn't get the insurance. ($1200 down the drain? Please no...)

    I have gone over it in my head SO many times. I think we have come to the conclusion to still go on the cruise, but take the "extra precautions" that the CDC alert says to. I won't be getting off at any of the ports. (in fact, it's only 3 ports that we are stopping at, only 2 are on the list, so out of 7 days it's not AS much of a chance) In fact, while at port I will stay inside the ship (A.C. helps to keep from getting bit). I'll also be wearing Deet  non-stop which is safe during pregnancy. My doctor says that idea should be fine. She said since I am not intentionally going off into the forests of the Caribbean and wearing bug spray and intentionally putting my fetus in harms way, that I should feel okay about my decision to go. She also said that there is no telling what could happen even in the states. With Ebola, West Nile, and everything. There is even suspect that Zika will travel to the U.S. too.

    Now. Not saying I won't be worried the whole time. But life is full of hard decisions.

    Me: 32 | DH: 33
    Met: 2005 | Started Dating: 2009 | Married: 2013

    TTC#1: 06.2014;   BFP: 12.2015; DS Born: August 16, 2016
    TTC#2: 12.2017; BFP: 02.26.2018; CP 03.02.2018
                                BFP: 04.26.2018 DD Born: December 26, 2018
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  • I live in Hawaii, on the island of Oahu and I'm not gonna lie that I was initially freaked out about Zika.  The only case reported here on Oahu was from somebody that had contracted the virus while living in Brazil. CDC hasn't listed Hawaii as a place to avoid though, and I won't freak out until that happens.

    You should know , however, that there is a bit of an epidemic with Dengue fever on the Big Island of Hawaii. Maybe ask your doc about that if that's the island you're going to.

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  • I definitely wouldn't worried about zika in Hawaii at this point.  The mother contracted the virus while in Brazil in May of 2015.  Neither the mother or baby were infectious and there was never a risk of transmission at the time of the announcement.  There is definitely a chance of someone bringing it to the island but there is also that same chance it will end up in the mainland in the next few months. 

    Personally I would go, although I am still choosing to head to Mexico this next week for my closest friends wedding.  I have read almost every article about zika and my husband, who is a statistical math guy, has worked the numbers.  The risk for me is low and closest case that has been diagnosed (yes, I know most don't show symptoms) is 10-12 hours away from where we will be.  We are staying in a resort area that sprays daily and I will take extra precautions. If it does spread to the US like expected there will be cases far closer then 10-12 hours away.  That being said, we are choosing to cancel another wedding trip we had to the Dominican in April.  They have already had 10 cases and the cases were less than 2 hours from where we were supposed to stay.  It is also far more likely that the virus will spread in the 3 months in between now and that wedding.

    Ultimately it is a decision that you are going to have to live with.  Maybe a compromise is waiting to book until closer to the day or purchasing travel insurance.     

  • I do would not be concerned about Hawaii. I actually considered rebooking my cancelled Dominican Republic vacation and going to Hawaii, but I didn't want to spend the extra money!  The DR was also added to the list this morning in case anyone had not heard.  
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  • United and American are offering full refunds for flights to the countries on the travel warning. I called United and was given no hassle. They did not ask for confirmation of pregnancy and the whole call lasted about five minutes or less.

    One of our flights was on JetBlue and I had similar luck. I didn't get a refund but I was issued travel credit and the cancellation fee was waived.
  • For those of us not planning a trip abroad but worried about Zika here at home, I spoke to my doctor yesterday about it. It seems likely/inevitable that it will spread to the US at some point. I was wondering what it means that I'll be in my third tri by the time mosquito season arrives where I live. She said that the general rule for infectious diseases is that in early pregnancy, if you are infected you have a smaller chance of transmitting it to the fetus, but the outcomes are typically worse if you do. On the other hand, if you are later in pregnancy, you have a greater chance of transmitting the virus from mom to baby, but the outcomes are not as severe. But then again, Zika is new and not a lot is known about it, these are more rules of thumb for infectious diseases. My doc also pointed out that Zika is spread the same way that other viruses such as Dengue are, and we have not seen major outbreaks of Dengue in the continental US. She said to wear long sleeves and pants, which is sure to be a real pleasure in July and August! 
  • I cancelled my trip to the Caribbean. While where we were specifically going isn't even a country that was listed my doctor was 100% adamant that this was the right decision based on his latest information from the institute of health. He is pretty lenient with some things other doctors stress (like sushi and working out) so I was surprised how strongly he reacted and his concern for this really made me believe it's the right decision for our family. For us there is no amount of money lost or memories made on a trip that could outweigh the benefit of a healthy child.
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  • I'm a little wigged out... I live in South Texas and the mosquitos are BAD here during the summer.  I hope it doesn't spread this far north and I would have to fear that... We even had a mosquitos inside a few times!  I hate those things!
    BFP 5/22/12, MC 6/6/12 (cp) BFP 10/16/13, EDD June 28, 2014 - baby J arrived 6/19/14! ** #2-- BFP 12/5/15, EDD August 17, 2016 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker


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  • tresamigostresamigos member
    edited January 2016
    @jmknox I'm in the same boat as you and I'm a little freaked out now that they're saying spread to the US is likely. I feel like Texas will probably be one of the first states to get it and the mosquitos here are ridiculous!
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  • @Whitmore1027 our cruise is on the 13th to the Caribbean and we are doing exactly as you are. It will still be fun on the ship!! Enjoy your trip!
  • @katie121209 Thank you!! There are a lot of fun things to do in the ship, plus it won't be as crowded during the day. I plan on using the money we were going to use on the excursions for Massages and other pregnancy safe spa time. Hope you have a great trip as well!! :)
    Me: 32 | DH: 33
    Met: 2005 | Started Dating: 2009 | Married: 2013

    TTC#1: 06.2014;   BFP: 12.2015; DS Born: August 16, 2016
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  • @Sekerambo do you know where in Mexico the cases have been reported? I am supposed to be going on vacation to San Diego in 3 weeks, and have considered cancelling that trip just because it's so close to Mexico. I'm wondering where the outbreaks in Mexico were. If they were only in the southern part, then I would feel more comfortable going!
  • Same @jmknox and @rikopy , especially since we are limited on bug spray options while pregnant...hopefully it doesn't make it to Texas. I was planning on spending my entire Summer in the pool. 
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  • @Tnallen107  @jmknox  @rikopy  Yep mosquitoes were horrible last year, and I remember being must more prone to mosquito bites when I was pregnant last time... Pretty scary crap! I feel like the cruise ships will bring the mosquitoes back to Texas. Trying not to be paranoid!
  • @smd1313 I wouldn't worry too much about coming to San Diego. We are actually in our "winter" season right now so temperatures will likely stay around the 70s. We don't get many mosquitoes here, and those that do arrive typically aren't seen until late July/ August. That being said, we are within minutes to the Mexican border. But if you don't intentionally cross you really won't notice Mexico at all. I work for the government and have lived here most of my life. Worry more about not leaving your valuables in your car while visiting. There's plenty to keep you busy on this side of the border; and with current political events as they are I wouldn't recommend travelling to Tijuana to anyone.
  • I don't know about any other states but NY has 5 confirmed cases already - and its absolutely freezing here.  So I don't think its a question of if it arrives in the US - it's already here. 
  • From what I've read the cases in the U.S are all from people that have traveled to these countries. However, Good Morning America ran a segment yesterday morning (you can find it on their Facebook page) and the doctor on there predicted that a certain type of mosquito will be in the U.S as it gets hotter. The projected map was pretty much the whole south/Midwest/eastern part of the states. At this point, I would just stay away from the Caribbean for now because that is where the warnings are for...
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  • Here's a good article about the likely spread of zika in the US: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/01/26/464459350/big-zika-virus-outbreak-unlikely-in-the-u-s-officials-say

    Basically, the one or two types of mosquitoes that carry Zika so far are only found in southern/tropical states. And they prefer to bite people when they're indoors, which is less likely in the US because of our use of screens and air conditioning. 
    Married 6/20/2015
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  • Haha @lalalorelai Well, that actually makes me more nervous because I live in South Louisiana, and it's impossible to keep mosquitos out of the house! Air conditioning and screens don't matter. And, I know more people than comfortable who got West Nile. Oh well, all I can do is wear mosquito spray and that VS perfume! I certainly won't be going fishing this summer or hanging out outside too much at night! Hmm...wonder if they sell small mosquito zapper I could just hang in our house...

    @Tnallen107 I still do, however, intend to spend my days in my parents' pool. I don't know how I'll make it through the uber pregnant, hot summer days otherwise.
    Married to DH 10/6/12
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    TI - 100 mg Clomid + prometrium (AM & PM) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 6-7/15 (monitored) --> no additional response and thinned lining - BFN
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  • @riveridgional I live in the midwest, so it helped me-- sorry for causing more anxiety!!! But I am a magnet for mosquitoes. I read somewhere that people with type O blood are more likely to be bitten because mosquitoes prefer the taste. I get destroyed every summer. 

    They make these wristbands that you can wear that supposedly repel mosquitoes without the smell or chemicals. I've never had a whole lot of luck with them but you can try! And if you're really concerned it may be worth it to pay to have your yard sprayed.
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  • @lalalorelai No worries! I've been pretty mentally prepared it's coming. The articles coming out are just making it a bit more "real." It's really just another one of those things we can't control. I'm really thinking, though, that they hype is probably more than the actual problem and maybe by the time summer rolls around more advancements will be made on the virus and any treatment.
    Married to DH 10/6/12
    TTC since 5/14
    Unexplained with (controlled) hypothyroidism and suspected ovulatory dysfunction (but, I do ovulate on my own)
    Clomid 50 mg 3/15 (unmonitored) - BFN
    Clomid 50 mg + metformin 4/15 (unmonitored) - BFN 
    First RE appt. 5/15; Natural cycle 5/15 monitored with 2 mature follicles and Pregnyl Trigger (full dose) + prometrium - BFN
    6/15 HSG - clear tubes & normal uterus; great PCT test results
    TI - 100 mg Clomid + prometrium (AM & PM) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 6-7/15 (monitored) --> no additional response and thinned lining - BFN
    TI - Injectables (follistim + Gonal-F, Ganirelix, & 1/2 dose Pregnyl) + prometrium (AM & PM) 9/15 --> 3-7 mature follicles (3 definites and 4+ that could have matured due to trigger) @ O -->BFN + 5 large cysts
    BC for 2 weeks due to cysts
    TI - Injectables (Gonal-F, Ganirelix & full dose Pregnyl) + prometrium (AM & PM) 10/15 --> 1 mature follicle --> BFN 
    TI - Last attempt at injectables (Gonal-F, Ganirelix & 1/2 dose Pregnyl) + crinone (AM only) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 11/15 --> 3-4 mature follicles --> BFP!! 11/27/15 @ 13dpo (shockingly, actually waited until then to test)

    Beta #1 @ 16dpo (11/30/15) = 1,075
    Beta #2 @ 19dpo (12/3/15) = 3,150
    One baby: Saw heartbeat @ 5w5d (114 bpm; baby measuring 2.3mm)

    "Great Things are Happening"
  • The aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the virus is already in the US. What we tend to forget is that Brazil, Colombia, and these other countries did not realize there was a problem so precautions were not being taken. With the US on high alert and precautions being taken it is unlikely that we will be hit like the countries South of us. We also have far more resources available to us here in the states.


    @smd1313 - the last cases were on the south west coast of Mexico and also in the north east, just south of Texas. Nothing close to California as of now. Definitely not worth canceling a trip over.
  • I have a phobia of mosquitos and they bite the crap out of me. I live in CA and am already stressing out that the virus will spread here =( 
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  • If you guys only knew how bad the mosquitos where I live were last summer... It was so bad my son and I could hardly play outside.   Citronella candles  and the natural bug sprays didn't work.  They were even inside and biting me in my sleep.   Thus year.... We are going to get a lawn company out to spray.  Every month if I have to Toxic?  Probably.  But my son loves! Outside and I wanted to have a summer garden :(
    the good news I'm reading is that it's worst if you contract it first trimester but still bad anytime.  At least hopefully most of us will be through that time if/when it makes it here.   I'm going to be sleeping with citronella candles around my bed! (Joking.... Wait... Maybe not)
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  • we just canceled our babymoon to cancun in april... bummed but couldn't take the risk. We are going to wait it out and see what happens or try to find somewhere to go without mosquitos (really wanted a beach though)
  • @jmknox - I am looking into the safety of diffusing lemongrass oil in the house to try to keep them out.  The lemongrass plant supposedly helps ward off the bugs so maybe the concentration in the air inside will keep them out of my bedroom. 

  • @ThisisNumber3 - We ordered a lemongrass plant off amazon that has helped some.  It is amazingly sturdy and nearly quadrupled in size... easy to take care of.
  • @kwilliams3402  - Nice! We tried to plant them by our front door a few years ago and it didn't work :( 

  • kwilliams3402kwilliams3402 member
    edited February 2016

    We just bought some miracle grow type potting soil, put the plant in the pot, put in a half-shade, half-sun area, watered most days, moved pots when it started really taking off, and it just did it's thing.  I don't have a green thumb, so I was amazed.  We planted it in July 2015 in Austin, Texas.

    The citronella on the other hand... 3/4 the plants died pretty quickly and the last one just died this winter.

  • Just cancelled our week in Mexico for early March :o( was soooo looking forward to it, but better safe then sorry. I live in Arkansas so it's cold now with no mosquitos. My DH said if it is bad this Spring/Summer then he doesn't want me to leave the house! Will talk with Dr. about it..... I am headed to my parents house in FL next week, it's been cooler there too so hoping the bugs are at a minimum (will get bug spray). My sister in laws parents are coming to visit also (a bunch of us are going for my nieces 1st bday). Anyway, her parents are from Colombia and I am a little nervous! Is that stupid? I know it's very hard to pass person to person, but worried they may bring the virus (I have no idea if they are infected but where they live is in the "red zone" on the map I was looking at). Worried we are sitting outside, they get bit then that mosquito hops over to me and bites me.... please tell me I am overreacting!
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  • Aaand now the first domestic case has been reported in Texas. It wasn't spread by a mosquito but by sexual intercourse so be careful your hubby doesn't get mosquito bites either 
  • I was supposed to be a bridesmaid for one of my best friends wedding in Mexico in May. I backed out once I found out I was expecting but didn't even know about the virus at that point. Now that I've read up about the virus I'm especially glad I backed out! 

    TTC 9/2013

    BFP#1: 9/28/2013, EDD 5/28/13, MC confirmed 10/15/13, D&C 10/17/13

    BFP#2: 1/10/2014, EDD 9/19/2014

     

  • Aaand now the first domestic case has been reported in Texas. It wasn't spread by a mosquito but by sexual intercourse so be careful your hubby doesn't get mosquito bites either 
    It was less than 2 hours from where we lived. If I wasn't nervous about this summer, I sure am now 
    first time momma
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  • I know they suggest that pregnant women keep away from using bug spray that has DEET in it, have you ladies found a spray that works as well, without the DEET? My husband and I are very outdoorsy, and while I can stay inside if necessary, his job prevents him from doing so. I'm usually not one to get nervous over these types of things, but the Zika Virus really has me on edge! Especially since it seems to be spreading very quickly
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