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United Nations World Tourism Organization issues statement on Zika virus

Xinhua, February 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) issued a communique on Tuesday expressing its desire for no travel restrictions to be imposed by areas affected by the virus.

UNWTO's statement comes a day after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus, which is thought to produce malformations in babies whose mothers have been affected by the mosquito borne illness, a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern.'

The UNWTO pointed out the WHO had not recommended travel restrictions, but recommended that travelers to regions affected by the Zika virus "should be provided with up to date advice on potential risks and appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to mosquito bites."

The organization also recommended "standard WHO recommendations regarding disinfection of aircraft and airports should be implemented".

The Madrid based organization said it would continue to monitor the situation along with the "WHO and the relevant tourism authorities."

2015 saw a new record for international tourist arrivals with 1.18 billion people visiting other countries, a number which was predicted to increase by around 4 percent in 2016. The UNWTO explained it was too "early to make any effective assessment," of how the fear of the virus could affect travel plans. Endit