The Caribbean Public Health Agency, in collaboration with
the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism
Association (CHTA), has issued guidelines for hotels and guesthouses in the
Caribbean to help prevent and prepare for the Zika virus, which has been
identified by the Centers for Disease Control in more than 20 countries/territories
in the Caribbean and Latin America.
There is no vaccine or treatment available for Zika, a mosquito-borne virus.
Since Zika is new to the Caribbean, almost everyone is susceptible to the
infection, particularly pregnant women in whom the virus has been linked to
birth defects.
The Caribbean Public Health Agency advises hoteliers to
stay informed about the Zika situation
in their country and in other Caribbean countries.
Hoteliers should provide staff and guests with
information so they can know the signs and symptoms of the virus, how it is transmitted
and how it can be prevented.
Insect repellent should be placed in every room and
be available for purchase; water should not be stored in outdoor containers, which
can become mosquito breeding sites, and water tanks should be covered.
The health agency cautioned against the buildup of
garbage, which attracts mosquitos, and advised that garbage should be in
plastic bags in closed containers.
Gutters and drains should be uncovered and unblocked to
release stagnant water, and screens should be installed on windows and doors.
Travelers should apply insect repellent, sleep in
air-conditioned rooms and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly
at dusk.