A third of Brits have changed their holiday plans because of Zika virus fears – ditching Dominican for Spain
34 per cent have swapped their holiday destination or cancelled a summer getaway to avoid the head-shrinking virus
MORE than a third of Brits have changed their holiday plans over health fears surrounding the head-shrinking Zika virus.
34 per cent of holidaymakers switched their ideal destination closer to home to avoid catching the disease, which mainly affects the health of unborn babies.
The virus was declared a global health emergency in February and can cause children to be born with abnormally small heads, known as microcephaly, and brain damage.
A whopping 16 per cent of people surveyed admitted to amending their plans once booked or cancelling their break altogether, despite more than half of them having to pay extra for the privilege.
And 13 per cent of those did so because they were planning to start a family or add to their brood.
Online travel agency www.sunshine.co.uk found that the most popular swap was from the Dominican Republic to Spain as Brits avoid South America, where Zika outbreaks have exploded in the past year.
Mexico was the next top destination to be ditched followed by family favourite Florida.
But despite changing their holiday plans over fifty per cent of people admitted they didn’t fully understand the risks of the virus, which mainly affects the health of unborn babies.
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Managing Director Chris Clarkson said:
"The Zika virus has clearly disrupted many people's travel plans. I think it's good to see that people are being so cautious, but judging by the number of people who don't fully understand the virus and its risks, more needs to be done to educate holidaymakers about it.
“Some people may be changing or cancelling travel plans unnecessarily, so it's worth looking into all the facts before making any decisions."
It’s not just punters who’re being cautious as celebs and athletes avoid South America.
Peter Andre’s pregnant wife Emily missed their family holiday to Florida this year to protect their unborn baby over fears she could contract the virus.
A host of athletes and their spouses also snubbed the Olympics in Brazil, where the virus appears to have "peaked".
Champion long-jumper Greg Rutherford had a sample of his sperm frozen ahead of the games and his wife and son stayed at home as he jetted off to Brazil with Team GB.
Newly-engaged golfer Rory McIlroy also pulled out, as did US cyclist Tejay Van Garderen over fears for his pregnant wife.
As of July 30 53 cases of Zika had been reported in Britain – brought back by people working or holidaying abroad.
The 1,895 UK adults polled had either been away on holiday this year, had one booked or had planned to go away this year.
Top five original destinations
1. Dominican Republic - 14%
2. Mexico - 11%
3. Florida - 10%
4. Cape Verde - 8%
5. Cuba - 8%
Top five destinations following fears of Zika virus
1. Mainland Spain - 32%
2. Majorca - 26%
3. Greece - 19%
4. Italy - 7%
5. Cyprus - 6%
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