Rescheduling Travel Because Of Zika Virus

SIOUX FALLS, SD –

Brittany Bandstra and her husband were excited to escape the cold South Dakota winter in just a few weeks. They’re planning a trip to Cancun.

“We are also going to same place where we had our honeymoon, so it’s a very special place for us,” Bandstra said.

But now with news of the Zika virus and the couple expecting their first child, the Bandstras are working with their travel agent to get the trip rescheduled.

“It’s a scary thing. You don’t want to put your baby at risk,” Bandstra said.

The South Dakota Department of Health recommends that you follow the CDC guidelines. That includes pregnant women postponing their trips to areas where the Zika virus is transmitted. If an expectant mother’s partner also travels to an affected area, they should refrain from unprotected sex until the pregnancy is over.

“It is a big deal if you’re a pregnant woman and you come down with Zika. Those pregnant women who have traveled at this point to an area of involvement should seek out their obstetrician,” Sanford Infectious Disease Dr. Wendell Hoffman said.

If you don’t see a baby in your near future, Hoffman recommends protecting yourself from mosquitoes if you travel to affected areas.

“Most of the time in otherwise healthy individuals who are not pregnant it is a self-limited condition, and it should not cause any long-lasting problems,” Hoffman said.

That’s why this couple is waiting until December to travel to Cancun and now will celebrate a babymoon.

“Grandparents will probably take care of the baby, which they’re really excited about as well. It will be nice to get away just me and my husband and spend some time in Cancun,” Bandstra said.

You might be concerned about the Zika virus reaching South Dakota this summer. Tomorrow, we’re going to talk to Hoffman about the potential.