CDC Issues Travel Warning for Three Countries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories for the Seychelles, Bolivia, and Suriname after Chikungunya outbreaks. All three destinations are at Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions, and travelers are advised to prevent mosquito bites.

Chikungunya is caused by a virus that spreads through mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, and rashes. Most people recover within a week. Death from Chikungunya is rare, but the CDC advises pregnant women to avoid traveling to affected countries because they may pass the infection on to their babies.

You can prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves, using mosquito repellent, and staying in accommodations with air conditioning. You can also get a vaccine before you travel.

Cuba and Sri Lanka are also high-risk areas with travel health notices due to Chikungunya outbreaks.

Funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired over the weekend, resulting in a partial government shutdown. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers are working without pay since they are considered essential personnel. The air traffic control function will not be impacted this time because the Department of Transportation remains funded. However, travelers may experience long lines at airports if the shutdown continues.

Last year, a federal government funding lapse caused a 43-day shutdown, the longest in history. Travel cancellations increased as air traffic controllers and TSA workers called in sick. Airlines trimmed schedules, and disruptions were felt across the country.

This time, it is unclear when travelers will begin to see effects as delays build over time. If you’re traveling during spring break, arrive at the airport early—especially when flying out of small airports—and double-check your packing list to avoid unnecessary delays at security lines.

Nationwide strikes in Italy by aviation workers have been called off. The industrial action was planned for Monday but has been postponed to February 26. The Deputy Prime Minister blocked the strikes to avoid disruptions during the Winter Olympics and acknowledged that mobility must be guaranteed during this global event.

Staff at Italy’s carrier ITA had planned a 24-hour walkout on February 16, which would have severely affected Winter Olympics travelers. Flight attendants working with Vueling and easyJet, along with airport ground staff, were also part of the industrial action. Flights across Italian cities, including Rome and Milan, are likely to be affected.