Zika concerns affecting Caribbean travel plans

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Concerns about the spreading Zika virus are being considered by local travel agencies. At Pioneer Valley Travel in Northampton, they are advising clients considering pregnancy against traveling to regions where Zika is spreading.

The agency’s owner, Martha Borawski, told 22News that she is going to call a client Thursday who booked a trip to the Dominican Republic in March, in order to explain the risk. She said she is particularly concerned about younger couples, perhaps going on a honeymoon- like a couple that cancelled their trip to the Mayan Riviera.

“I knew that they had been living together for a while, I knew they had a house. I had a feeling that they were probably going to want to get pregnant. And this just came out. They were all set and I emailed them back and I said, I don’t recommend that your do this,” Borawski said.

Borawski recommends that you don’t travel to places where you feel nervous about going. Consult with your doctor about any potential health risks, and ask whether there are any shots or vaccinations that you need to receive. If you are traveling to a warm area with mosquitoes, carry bug spray.

Borawski also recommends you get travel insurance that can refund your expenses if you need to cancel your trip.

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