Miami gynecologist calls on travelers to follow CDC guidelines while maintaining proper perspective on Zika risk

Dr. Jason James, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baptist Hospital in Miami, called on travelers to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines while maintaining perspective on the risk of Zika for those who are not pregnant. His advice supports the Puerto Rico Tourism Company’s (PRTC) ongoing efforts to educate visitors about Zika.

A board certified gynecologist in private practice at FemCare Ob-Gyn, Dr. James has received numerous awards, including the Patients' Choice Recognition in 2008 through 2012, as well as being named as one of the Best Physicians in the Consumers' Guide to Top Physicians. A frequent world traveler himself, Dr. James encouraged those who are not pregnant or planning to conceive soon to continue exploring, while taking common sense precautions, “If you’re pregnant, don’t travel where Zika is active.  But if you’re not pregnant, I would encourage you to take your vacation, take your business trip, and live your life.  Just be sure to follow the CDC guidelines, apply bug spray with DEET, wear proper clothing and take other common-sense precautions.”

Dr. James comments echoes the advice of leading epidemiologist Dr. D.A. Henderson, MD, MPH, who recently called for common sense precautions as well as avoiding over-reaction and hype about Zika. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of medical experts like Dr. James to educate travelers about the facts of the Zika virus,” said PRTC Executive Director Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort. “We realize people have concerns about Zika, but travelers need to know they can have a worry-free experience when visiting Puerto Rico.”

PRTC is working closely with the CDC and the local Department of Public Health to ensure visitors are informed about Zika in Puerto Rico. The PRTC and the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association (PRHTA) are taking every precaution possible to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds at hotels and resorts, and educate visitors about preventing mosquito bites.  For more information about the Zika virus in Puerto Rico, visit PuertoRicoNow.SeePuertoRico.com.