A recent headline-grabbing virus stopped travelers in their tracks, prompting many to cancel their trips to affected areas. While the Zika virus is mainly a concern to expectant mothers, it's a good reminder for all travelers to pick up the phone well in advance of departing for any international trip and call a local travel clinic.
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How to Locate a Travel Clinic
For the most trusted information about health risks by region, travelers should peruse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site. To find a clinic near you, check the CDC's listings of state health departments (some of which offer pre-travel care) and travel clinics. The International Society of Travel Medicine lists international travel clinics that provide immunizations, counseling, and general pre-travel care information.
Stay Informed
It's always wise to also stay abreast of the U.S. Department of State's travel warnings and security alerts, which includes disease outbreaks. In the wake of a medical or catastrophic crisis, airlines, hotels, and cruise companies have been known to generously offer no-fault ticket cancellations. But not always. For best measures, travelers' insurance is recommended, regardless of destination. Airlines offer trip insurance for a fraction of fare costs during the booking process, and hotels and car rentals are usually cancelable. For up-to-date information, please check the CDC and WHO websites regularly, and directly contact airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and travel agents you have booked with if you are looking to rebook or get a refund or credit for pre-booked travel to the affected areas.
More from SmarterTravel:
- Everything You Need to Know About Visiting a Travel Clinic
- What to Pack if You're Traveling to a Zika Virus Zone
- 5 Diseases You Can Easily Pick up While Traveling
SEE ALSO: 5 tips for planning your trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics
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