Countries throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America could lose billions of dollars in international tourism revenue over fears of the Zika virus.
The World Health Organization declared the Zika virus outbreak an international emergency, and travel warnings have been issued for 25 countries, including Brazil, where the 2016 Summer Olympics are scheduled to be held. The mosquito-borne illness may be linked to a surge in cases of infants born with microcephaly in Brazil.
Countries where the cases of the virus have been confirmed, or where it is expected to spread, could lose about $63.9 billion in international tourism, according to data compiled by the World Bank.
Graphic by Nick DeSantis, Forbes staff.
This figure excludes Venezuela, French Guiana, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Saint Martin. Travel warnings have been issued in each of those counties, but up-to-date tourism revenue information was not available.
The World Health Organization created a global Zika response unit on Feb. 1 with the goal to contain the virus and determine its connection to severe birth defects and neurological disorders in thousands of babies. The Red Cross also joined the cause and appealed for $2.36 million to fund the response.
Dr. Margaret Chan, the director-general of the World Health Organization, said Zika has gone from “a mild threat to one of alarming proportions” in her first major address on the virus on Jan. 28.
Public Health Emergency of Intl Concern: the cluster of #microcephaly cases & its possible association w/ #ZikaVirus https://t.co/jgnorT0Ia1
— WHO (@WHO) February 1, 2016
Out of all the Latin countries, Mexico could suffer the greatest amount when it comes to a lack of revenue from travelers. Expenditures made by international tourists in 2013 totaled $14.31 billion, according to data compiled by the World Bank.
Brazil saw a little over $7 billion from international visitors in 2013. However, the country is hosting the summer Olympics from Aug. 2 to Aug. 21 in Rio de Janeiro, and health officials are concerned the virus could threaten the events.
The Brazilian government said the games would not be called off due to virus scare, Reuters reported.
The virus is also expected to find its way to the United States, where travelers spent more than $214.7 billion in 2013.
Canada and Chile are the only countries in the western hemisphere that will likely not see cases as the Aedes mosquitoes – the main carrier for Zika - do not inhabit either country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued level two alerts for islands in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The warning suggests travelers practice enhanced precautions. There are three alerts that range from level one (practice usual precautions) and level three (avoid nonessential travel).
Additionally, the health institution recommended that women who are pregnant in any trimester should consider postponing travel to areas where Zika has been reported. Women who are trying to become pregnant are encouraged to speak with their doctor before traveling to these areas.
