The Zika virus is causing many travelers to cancel or postpone trips to countries with active Zika transmission, particularly countries in Latin America. But there are still thousands of travelers coming through U.S. borders who have traveled to or live in Zika hot-spots every day. This is concerning, as it has recently been confirmed that this mosquito-borne illness can be transmitted from person to person.
So, what is Homeland Security doing to stop these travelers from coming in? Well, the short answer is they aren’t. The Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection have announced that they will not screen travelers for the virus as they enter the U.S., according to reports.
They will, however, take extra precautions when they see people coming in who display signs of illness.
In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, “Migrants who exhibit signs of illness when apprehended by Customs and Border Protection attempting to cross the border illegally are separated from healthy people to limit the potential spread of infection,” it adds. “Sick migrants are referred, transported, and escorted for appropriate medical attention as needed.”
What do you think? Are you concerned about travelers who may be infected with the Zika virus coming through U.S. borders? Be sure to keep yourself as protected as possible at home, which includes looking into mosquito services offered by pest control professionals.
