The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has issued a guide for members of the UNL community who may be planning to travel to countries affected by the Zika virus.
The guide, issued Feb. 5 and found here, spells out the timeline of the virus’ spread, provides further resources to learn about the virus, and discusses prevention for those who may travel to the countries where the virus has been active.
UNL student travel in 2016 is planned for Brazil, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ecuador and Nicaragua, which are among the countries currently affected. The university is monitoring the situation closely, and these study trips remain scheduled as planned.
As of Feb. 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued an Alert Level 2, meaning travelers should practice enhanced precautions. UNL is concerned about the health of those in the affected areas and in the United States, but experts advise that it is safe for most people to travel to these areas while practicing enhanced precautions. However, pregnant women are advised to postpone travel to affected areas.
If at some point the CDC does issue an Alert Level 3, UNL will follow the guidelines of a previously established NU executive memorandum, which says a program of travel for students and members of the general public may not depart, and any faculty or staff member must first obtain university approval for travel.
