Pregnant women should think twice about travelling to areas where the zika virus is active, according to the island’s Public Health Directorate.
The advice comes following fears the virus could be linked to the microcephaly birth defect.
Health and Social Care Minister Howard Quayle said seeking early medical advice, at least six weeks in advance, was the key to safe travel.
‘Whilst the health service can assist with specific advice as well as guidance on risk reduction and insect bite avoidance, medications and vaccinations, the responsibility to seek this, and to do so early enough for vaccinations to be effective, rests with individuals and families,’ he said.
The virus, which is spread by mosquito bites, is present in 21 countries in the Caribbean, as well as North and South America, but not as yet in Canada or Chile.
There have been 3,500 babies born with microcephaly, symptomised by an abnormally small head and under-developed brain, in Brazil alone since October.
In 80 per cent of cases, the virus produces no symptoms but, when present, they include fever, a rash and joint pain lasting two to seven days. There is some evidence it can also be transmitted by sexual contact.
A statement from the island’s Public Health Directorate said: ‘The risk to unborn babies and a lack of a vaccine means that travel advice has been updated to state that women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should consider avoiding travel to areas reporting active zika virus transmission.
‘Island residents can arrange a travel health consultation with a practice nurse through their GP or can opt to visit a pharmacy that offers a travel health clinic.’
However, health officials have counselled people not to be alarmed, pointing out there have been only six zika cases diagnosed in travellers returning to the UK since 2014.
A travel health consultation can include up-to-date advice about each country to be visited, taking into account the planned activities from sunbathing on the beach to trekking in the mountains. Advice can be given on any recommended vaccinations and on malaria, where relevant, and on the zika virus. Advice is available on other matters such as avoiding deep vein thrombosis when flying, precautions against sun burn and any pre-existing medical conditions.
The Public Health directorate also offers general advice to travellers, including a recommendation to take out adequate travel insurance and a reminder that accidents are the biggest holiday health risk.