Zika Virus: Guidance for Emory Travelers

Dear Emory Students, Faculty and Staff:

Reports regarding the Zika virus and its spread have received increasing national and international media attention.  
Emory University wants to ensure that community members are aware of the resources available to help keep University travelers safe and up to date about evolving health threats.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains up-to-date information to keep you apprised of travelers’ health issues. Also, Emory contracts with  International SOS (ISOS) to provide study abroad and travelers on Emory business a variety of online health, safety and security resources. ISOS can assist in the trip planning process by providing detailed in-country information such as travel warnings, cultural information and medical alerts. ISOS also provides travelers with a safe way to store all necessary documentation while traveling overseas.

Emory students, staff and faculty on personal travel also can take steps to be alerted to evolving health and security threats by checking the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website and subscribing to receive travel alerts from ISOS and security alerts from the US State Department.

For an individual, country-specific health and risk assessment, Emory travelers should also consider a travel clinic visit, scheduled with enough lead time to allow for needed vaccinations and prescriptions.  Options include the Emory Student Health Travel Clinic (students), Emory TravelWell, public health departments, and other local travel health providers.

If upon returning home, you develop any signs and symptoms of illness, you should seek medical care, and be sure to inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel.

Stay informed and travel well!

Scott Henderson MD, FAAFP, FACPM
Executive Director Occupational Health
Assistant Professor Family and Preventive Medicine
Emory University

Michael Huey, MD
Assistant Vice President and Executive Director
Emory University Student Health Services

Alexander Isakov, MD, MPH
Executive Director
Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response (CEPAR)
Emory University‎

Phyllis E. Kozarsky, M.D., FACP, FRCPS
Professor of Medicine/Infectious Diseases
Emory University