Couples planning a babymoon, a family getaway or a honeymoon to Indonesia might want to rethink their travel plans after the government warned that the popular tourist destination is the latest country where the devastating Zika virus has shown up.
Indonesia is experiencing “sporadic transmission” of the virus and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned Australian travellers to protect themselves from mosquito bites, with pregnant women told to re-think any future visits.
The mosquito-born virus, which is linked to serious birth defects, is currently running rampant in South America, while it’s also prevalent in Fiji, Vietnam and Samoa.
DFAT has wanted of the Zika virus. Via Getty.
As the virus spreads throughout the world, the US Centre for Disease Control confirmed last week that three women have given birth to children with Zika-related birth defects in the U.S. and three others have lost or terminated their pregnancies because of links to the virus.
The DFAT advice to Australian travellers has frightened many women planning on travelling to Indonesia - a popular destination for honeymooners and so called 'babymooners'.
“Given the possibility that Zika virus can cause severe malformations in unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, pregnant women should discuss any travel plans with the travel doctor and consider postponing travel to Indonesia,” the department’s advice reads.
Australians travelling to Indonesia, including Bali, have been told to exercise a “high degree of caution”.
Top Comments
Does the Zika virus affect non pregnant (and no plans to fall preganant) women? My best friend and I are going to Bali in September so want to ensure its safe for us too.
So if travel warnings are being issued about the Zika virus, does that mean that we will not be going to Rio in a couple of months for the Olympics?
The travel warnings were for pregnant women; as far as I know the Olympians have been told they should be fine provided they aren't pregnant when they arrive and wait a few months after returning home before trying for any babies.