Jamaica hit by Zika virus
Jamaica has confirmed that it has become the latest Caribbean island to be infected by the Zika virus, which is linked to brain abnormalities in unborn babies.
The Foreign Office said one case of the mosquito-born virus, which is sweeping across the Americas, had been reported on the island.
It said holidaymakers in Jamaica should follow the advice of the National Travel Health Network and Centre, particularly if pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The organisation is recommending that pregnant women reconsider their travel plans.
Tour operators including Thomson, First Choice and Thomas Cook are allowing customers due to travel to Zika-infected countries the option to switch to other destinations free of charge. Last week, Thomson extended the list of countries eligible for fee-free changes to inculde Honduras and Guadeloupe.
Thomas Cook confirmed today that it will allow pregnant women who are due to travel to Jamaica through its Signature programme free amendments, although a spokeswoman said the numbers booked were small.
The virus, which has mainly affected Brazil and Colombia, has spread to at least 23 countries in Latin America including the Dominican Republic, Barbados and Mexico and has also reached Cape Verde and Samoa.
The World Health Organisation is considering whether to declare Zika a global emergency and an announcement is expected later today.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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