Zika who? Mosquito-borne virus no longer a concern for Saint Lucia

The Zika virus epidemic of 2015 and 2016 that led many countries to issue travel warnings is no longer a concern for Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority reports.

In a release issued today (Oct 16), the Caribbean destination stated that scientists have determined that the virus is no longer present and travellers, including pregnant women, can visit the destination with no known risk of getting Zika from mosquitoes. 

LAST CASE OF ZIKA WAS MORE THAN A YEAR AGO

“In the case of Zika virus disease, the country’s last case was diagnosed greater than one year ago, in spite of continuous surveillance and testing for this disease. Given that Zika virus disease has not been detected in over a year in many Caribbean countries, the Caribbean Public Health Agency has indicated that Zika virus transmission has been interrupted in the Caribbean and that risk of transmission is very low,” the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Saint Lucia noted in a statement.

Some visitors from the island’s major source markets had put off trips to the destination due to concerns about the Zika virus, especially couples who were thinking about getting pregnant, Saint Lucia’s tourism authority stated.

Saint Lucia's tourism authority hopes today’s news will give travellers the assurance they need to visit the tropical island.  

“And what better time to come than now, when we have so many exciting things to do, see and experience on our inspiring destination,” Acting CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Tiffany Howard, said in a statement.

To learn more about Saint Lucia, visit www.stlucia.org.