11 ways to prevent Zika in Bali
There has been a lot in the media in the past year or two about the spread of the dangerous Zika virus. In South America the Zika virus has been responsible for an increase in babies born with microcephaly, a condition where the baby’s head is considerably smaller in size than expected due to abnormal brain development.
But what is the reality of the Zika virus in Bali and Indonesia- is it the same strain of Zika, how prevalent is it and are the residents avoiding pregnancy? This guide will tell you all you need to know about the Zika virus in Bali and Indonesia, including proven ways to reduce your risk of catching it
Contents
- 1 What is the Zika Virus?
- 2 How do you catch the Zika virus?
- 3 What is the risk to pregnant women and babies?
- 4 How do you know if you have Zika?
- 5 Is there Zika Virus in Bali, Indonesia?
- 6 Are the residents in Bali worried about the Zika virus?
- 7 How to prevent catching Zika in Bali:
- 8 Conclusion on Zika Virus in Bali
- 9 More Useful Bali Travel Info
- 10 People are reading:
What is the Zika Virus?
The Zika virus is a condition that causes symptoms including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and headaches. Symptoms are usually mild if present and most people do not develop symptoms- if they do develop it is usually two to seven days after being bitten. The Zika virus is present in Bali, Indonesia.
How do you catch the Zika virus?
You catch the Zika virus by being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito or by sexual transmission. The Aedes mosquitos are usually day mosquitos and there are things to do to prevent infection (see How To Prevent Zika below). Zika can also be transmitted by unprotected sexual contact so if you are infected with Zika you should use protection for six months after catching the virus.
What is the risk to pregnant women and babies?
If a pregnant woman catches the Zika virus, her baby can be born with microcephaly. The media has reported on many cases of this condition after an epidemic of the Zika virus in some South American countries. Women can also pass the Zika virus to their baby if they conceive after catching the Zika virus. The official advice to pregnant women is to wait eight weeks after visiting a Zika country to start trying to conceive- however the advice is six months for men as they carry the virus for longer, so if you have travelled to a Zika country together the wait would be six months as a couple if you took the official advice. The actual percentage of pregnant women who catch Zika and pass it to their babies is very small.
How do you know if you have Zika?
If you have travelled to a Zika country like Bali, Indonesia and present symptoms or you think you may be infected, your doctor can test you for Zika. Even if you have no symptoms, using contraception is recommended for one month after you return from a Zika country.
Is there Zika Virus in Bali, Indonesia?
The Aedes mosquito that carries the Zika virus is in Bali, Indonesia, but it has been for decades and there haven’t been any cases of Zika related microcephaly reported. There are also small numbers of the mosquito in northern Australia.
Are the residents in Bali worried about the Zika virus?
In short, no. Locals and expats are planning, carrying and having pregnancies as normal. The risk of Zika harming an unborn baby is small and depends largely on when the pregnant woman was infected, so it is up to the individual to decide if they feel comfortable being pregnant while in Bali.
How to prevent catching Zika in Bali:
Cover up. Wear light fabrics that cover as much skin as possible. Loose cotton shirts or kaftans plus harem pants are great options for preventing mosquito bites, especially as the fabrics aren’t tight on the skin (mosquitos can bite through fabric).
Wear mosquito repellant. There are lots of very strong artificial options but we prefer natural repellants such as Para’Kito diet-free spray.
Use a plug-in repellant for night time. This will help keep mozzies out of your bedroom and apartment.![Ultrasonic Pest Repellent, INKERSCOOP 2018 Version Electromagnetic Pest Repellent - Plug in Home Indoor Repeller, Get Rid of Mosquito, Ant, Flea, Rats, Fruit Fly, Rodent, Insect[2 Pack]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41tCPrcZ6AL._SL160_.jpg)
Bring a mosquito net. If you’re staying in homestays or hostels you may want to bring your own. We bought the Mountain Warehouse travel net and used it a lot in Sri Lanka when our nets were broken or had holes in.
If travelling with children, pick up some mosquito repellant bracelets to help keep mozzies away without spray.
Conclusion on Zika Virus in Bali
Having lived in Bali for a while we are not concerned about the Zika virus. We have not met anyone who lives here who would consider delaying a pregnancy because of the virus, but this is obviously down to personal decision and you should talk to a medical professional before making travel health decisions. Disclaimer: We are not health professionals and you should always seek specialist medical advise before travelling. We are not responsible for decisions made after reading this article or for their consequences.
More Useful Bali Travel Info
For more useful info on Bali check out these posts:
- Essential Beginners’ Guide to Bali
- Best Travel Strollers
- Best Places To Stay In Bali (and the one place to avoid!)
- The Only Ethical Turtle Sanctuary In Bali (+ How To Visit)
- Luxury Family Villas in Sanur
- 10 Reasons We Moved To Bali with kids
- Aerial Yoga in Bali
- 5 Attractions to Avoid In Bali
- Top 5 Nature Activities For Kids in Bali
- Guide to Nusa Penida
- How to Get to Gili Islands
- What We Spend In One Month In Bali
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