If you are a regular reader of this blog, then you know two things. The first is that I am a meticulous pre-trip planner, which includes taking all proper precautions for vaccines and clothing treatment before we go abroad and bringing the best bug repellent I can find along with us on trips. The second is that Chad and I seem to be on the Zika World Tour this year. By the time this year ends, we will have visited the Caribbean and South America four times, and we live in South Florida: the first location in the United States to report a Zika outbreak.
All I think about is Zika. I basically bathe in DEET. So, imagine my panic when, despite being covered in DEET and bug repellent, I got bit 21 times by mosquitoes in Cartagena, Colombia a few weeks ago (if you read that post, you would know that I mentioned those aggressive little suckers more than once). Same for Chad, except less bites, which isn’t surprising because if there is a mosquito within a mile, it will bite the crap out of me, but never Chad.
I nearly had an anxiety attack after the first bite. After the 20th, I was a real pleasure to be around. Just ask Chad. Surely, I had Zika now! So I did what every panicked person does when they get bit by a mosquito while visiting a Zika hot bed, I turned to the internet. This was a mistake! First, I learned that Colombia was second only to Brazil in the prevalence of Zika (oh, great!), and that in Colombia, Zika started near Cartagena (Perfect! Now, I can never have kids!). I also read that the Colombian government had announced that they had eradicated Zika, but I was sure that was just a lie. Next, I Googled the symptoms, even though most people do not experience any symptoms at all because I am not most people so surely I would get all the symptoms. Fever. I did feel hot (it was also 90 degrees most of the day). Joint and muscle pain. I felt that (I also work out 7 days a week and was walking all over creation in Cartagena). Headache. I think my head hurt (please refer to the heat and activities of the day). By now, I had diagnosed a full fledged case of Zika! (For the record, Chad was equally convinced that I was a crazed hypochondriac.)
The minute I got home, I started making calls. Chad and I both needed the Zika test! I started with the Department of Health. They will only test you if you are a pregnant woman. Not me. I next called my gynecologist. They referred me to the Department of Heath. When I told them that I had already tried that route, they said they would write me a script to get the test done in a lab, but would not write one for Chad since he was not their patient! What?!? Um obviously, he is not a patient of a gynecologist office, but exactly how did these people think that babies got made? This was starting to become a nightmare. I called my PCP. They told me that they didn’t do the tests in the office. So I called Chad’s PCP who agreed to test both me and him. Finally! Within a few days we both had our blood drawn, and then we waited. And waited. After calling the office every few days, we were finally given the results. Negative! Thank GOD!
Here is my point. There is A LOT of hype about Zika, and, in my experience, many of the health care providers are ill-equipped to handle patients who call requesting a test. They refer you all around town, and many providers don’t know that they can write you a script to get your blood work done in a lab. Also, many of the labs or offices don’t frequently give the test, so they are learning how to administer the test and handle the sample. And, in my opinion, the Department of Health’s policy is just insane considering what we know about the transmission of Zika.
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But, obviously, as evidenced by my own experience, even the best preparation is not total protection; so if, despite all the precautions, you still get bit, here is what you need to do: First, don’t freak out and stay off the internet! Second, reapply your repellent immediately to prevent other bites, and keep liberally applying for the rest of your trip. Third, cover exposed skin and stay indoors as much as possible. Fourth, refrain from sharing drinks and from sexual intercourse until you are tested. And, finally, as soon as you can, get tested for Zika. Do not take “No” for an answer. If you are getting the run around from doctors, like I was, just keep trying. It is very important that you get tested within a week, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Chances are you do not have Zika; BUT, “better safe than sorry,” as they say!
Chad and I will be off to South America again very soon; and, as always, I am going to be super duper vigilant about our precautions. I hope this post was helpful to you. I’d love to hear your feedback. Leave a comment or drop me an email. Cheers to a Zika-free Zika World Tour!
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