Zika Hits New, Non-Caribbean Tourist Hotspot

If you’ve been looking for an alternative to a Caribbean or South American vacation due to fears over the Zika virus, you may want to scratch Indonesia off your list as well. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Bali is a popular vacation destination for Australian travelers) recently issued a warning for pregnant women considering traveling to Indonesia, stating: “Given the possibility that Zika virus can cause severe malformations in unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, pregnant women should discuss any travel plans with their travel doctor and consider postponing travel to Indonesia.”

According to the Daily Mail, Indonesia is “experiencing sporadic transmission of the virus”. However, it’s worth nothing that the CDC considers the risk of Zika to travelers in Indonesia is low, and that the virus is considered to be endemic to the country. (Here’s a good breakdown of the difference between “endemic” and the “epidemic” outbreak happening throughout the Caribbean and South America right now.)

Fears over Zika are continuing to mount throughout the rest of the world as famous athletes (such as pro golfer Rory Mcllroy) withdraw from the Rio Olympics out of an abundance of caution.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 8 U.S. Destinations to Avoid This Summer If You’re Worried About Zika
• I Got Zika While Traveling – Here’s What No One Told Me
• 10 Beach Destinations Where You Don’t Really Have to Worry About the Zika Virus