Request a Call Back

Full Name: *

Company Name:

Email Address:

Telephone: *

Best time for us to call you *

Comments



Callback

Caribbean Winter Sun comes with a Warning

18/11/2014

Chikungunya Virus could spoil your Holiday

If you’re planning to catch some winter sun this festive season, the Caribbean is a popular travel destination with almost guaranteed sunshine. There have been warnings recently, however, about the emergence of the Chikungunya virus in the region. First cases were reported in December 2013 and since then the virus has been spreading.

Whilst the virus is predominantly found in the Caribbean, it is also present in Africa, Asia and some islands in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

Chikungunya Virus Mosquito


So what is the Chikungunya Virus?

Chikungunya is a viral disease, which is transmitted by mosquitos. Symptoms include

  • High fever
  • Headaches
  • Rashes
  • Joint pain
The time between being bitten and the onset of symptoms varies but symptoms generally occur within four to eight days. There is no available vaccine and no cure, so travellers who are infected will have to rely on treatment to ease the symptoms.

Some people are at higher risk from developing severe symptoms or symptoms with lasting effect:
  • People with arthritis
  • People with serious medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
  • People over 65
  • Women who are pregnant and approaching the end of term
  • Long term travellers, such as aid workers and missionaries

What can you do to prevent Chikungunya?

As there is no vaccine, the only way to prevent infenction is to prevent mosquito bites. This can be tedious and difficult but worth the effort as one bite is enough to make you ill. These are our top tips to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Cover all exposed skin, i.e. wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and hats.
  • Use a mosquito net around your bed if your room may be exposed to the open air.
  • Stay and sleep in screened and/or air conditioned rooms

Use insect repellent on your skin, with the following ingredients:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • IR3535

Carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions and always apply as directed. If you are using sunscreen, apply this first and then apply the insect repellent on top. Be especially careful when applying insect repellent on children.

It is important to note that the mosquito that carries the Chikungunya virus can bite indoors and outdoors and both day and night. It is often found around buildings in urban areas.

You can download a factsheet from the World Health Organisation here

This product is provided to Travel Insured by goodtogoinsurance.com who are appointed representatives of Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – no.471641 By clicking the box at the foot of this page, you will be taken to our dedicated travel insurance site provided by goodtogoinsurance.com where you will be able to get a travel insurance quotation and view full policy information. The quotation you will obtain is provided on a non advised basis which means that no advice is given or implied and you are solely responsible for deciding whether the policy is suitable for your needs. Contact us if in doubt or if you require advice.

This insurance would meet the demands and needs of someone who wishes to insure their trip away from their home for cancellation costs, medical expenses and other specific risks required for that trip according to their individual circumstances..


If you experience any problems when using the site, contact us on 0845 850 1066.

I have read and understood the above detail

click here to obtain an online quote

This product is provided to Travel Insured by Ancile Insurance Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - no.471641. By clicking the box at the foot of this page, you will be taken to our dedicated travel insurance site provided by Ancile Insurance Group Ltd where you will be able to get a travel insurance quotation and view full policy information. The quotation you will obtain is provided on a non advised basis which means that no advice is given or implied and you are solely responsible for deciding whether the policy is suitable for your needs. Contact us if in doubt or if you require advice.

This insurance would meet the demands and needs of someone who wishes to insure their trip away from their home for cancellation costs, medical expenses and other specific risks required for that trip according to their individual circumstances..

If you experience any problems when using the site, contact us on 0845 850 1066.

I have read and understood the above detail.

click here to obtain an online quote

This product is provided to Travel Insured by Ace European Group Ltd who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority – no.202803. By clicking the box at the foot of this page, you will be taken to our dedicated business travel insurance site provided by Ace European Group Ltd where you will be able to get a travel insurance quotation and view full policy information. The quotation you will obtain is provided on a non advised basis which means that no advice is given or implied and you are solely responsible for deciding whether the policy is suitable for your needs. Contact us if in doubt or if you require advice.

This insurance would meet the demands and needs of a business which wishes to insure business trips away from the UK for cancellation costs, medical expenses and other specific risks required for that trip according to their individual circumstances..

If you experience any problems when using the site, contact
us on 0845 850 1066.

I have read and understood the above detail.

click here to obtain an online quote

Latest News

Travel Baggage Guide: Checked vs Carry-on.

With different airlines offering various options for carrying luggage, it is important to understand the pros and cons of both types of baggage.

Tips on becoming a more sustainable traveller

With travel, there are plenty of ways in which you can reduce your impact on the environment, whilst still being able to enjoy your holidays.

Five destinations for travelling on a budget 2023

A list of five budget destinations for travellers in 2023.

FAQs

Got a question? See our FAQs for our most often asked queries.

Cookies | Privacy | Terms of Business |  Modern Slavery Statement 2022

Green Insurance Group, Creed Associates, Collidge & Partners, Petherwicks and Travel Insured are trading names of Brown & Brown Insurance Brokers (UK Ltd) which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference Number 745618)

Registered in England & Wales with number 09850559

Registered office: 7th Floor, Corn Exchange, 55 Mark Lane, London, EC3R 7NE