SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — As summer approaches and millions of Americans begin to finalize travel plans, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) is urging vacationers to make educated decisions when it comes to choosing their destinations.

As word of the zika virus becomes more mainstream, Ingrid Rivera Rocafort, executive director of the PRTC, underscored the importance of making travel choices based on accurate information: “While we celebrate the ease and accessibility of global travel, it requires some common sense precaution, no matter where in the world one goes. Education is the key to relishing new adventures without the risk of fear, real and perceived. Accurate information is fears’ best antidote.”

Rivera added, “On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, we pledge to continue to inform and protect as we welcome the world to the tropical paradise we call home.”

The PRTC urged travelers interested in visiting Puerto Rico to know the difference between the perceptions about the zika virus and the realities in order to make fully informed travel decisions. Knowing the real facts can mean the difference between travelers having the vacation of a lifetime and regretting the trip they should have taken.

Perception #1 – Puerto Rico Is the Center of the Zika Virus in the Americas

The Reality – The current zika virus outbreak did not begin in Puerto Rico. In May 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert that zika virus transmission was active in Brazil. The first locally transmitted cases of the zika virus were not detected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Puerto Rico until December 2015. Soon after, the CDC began reporting that several other countries in South America, Central America and the Caribbean were also experiencing active local zika virus transmission.

Perception #2 – Everyone Who Goes To Puerto Rico Will Get Infected With Zika

The Reality – Travelers can take simple, common-sense steps to help avoid getting the zika virus. The easiest way to avoid contracting the virus is to take steps to prevent mosquito bites and wear proper clothing while enjoying the outdoors. The CDC suggests that all travelers stay up-to-date on the latest zika news before their trip, and take the following preventive actions during their trip:

• Purchase and use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)/para-menthane-diol (PMD), or IR3535.

• Follow instructions on repellent label and be sure to apply at proper intervals, as directed.

• When wearing sunscreen, be sure to apply sunscreen first, then repellent once sunscreen has dried.

• Cover exposed skin with long sleeves and long pants, when possible, especially when traveling through rainforests and around standing water.

• Keep all balcony doors and windows closed at night.

Following these simple steps, all travelers can substantially reduce the likelihood of contracting the zika virus.

Perception #3 – The CDC Has Banned All Travel to Areas with Zika Cases

The Reality – The CDC has three travel level warnings, Watch Level 1, Alert Level 2, and Warning Level 3. The CDC recently issued an Alert Level 2 notice to Puerto Rico (and other destinations), suggesting that travelers should “practice enhanced precautions” when traveling to Puerto Rico. In other words, the CDC is encouraging travelers to review its travel guidelines before traveling and follow its preventive precautions when on the island. Currently, visitors continue to enjoy Puerto Rico’s white sandy beaches, beautiful rainforests, and one-of-a-kind island culture on a daily basis.

Perception #4 – The Zika Virus Can Have Serious Implications for Anyone Who Contracts It

The Reality – When it comes to the zika virus, the general population has little to fear. According to the CDC, 80 percent of people infected with the virus never even show symptoms, and when they do, those symptoms are typically mild, usually lasting only two to seven days. These symptoms include, fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes) — symptoms that can be mitigated with rest, fluids, and everyday medication.

Currently, the CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and those trying to conceive. Their guidelines indicate that women in any trimester should avoid travel to destinations where active local zika virus transmission is occurring. If pregnant women are required to travel to one of these areas, or live in one of them, the CDC suggests that they speak with their healthcare provider and adhere strictly to its steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Perception #5 – People All Over Puerto Rico Are Infected With Zika

The Reality – At this time, less than one half of one percent of the 3.5 million residents in Puerto Rico have contracted the zika virus. More importantly, the majority of Zika cases are concentrated in areas away from typical tourist destinations. The Puerto Rican government has been working hand-in-hand with the CDC and the private sector to help combat the spread of zika on the island. This collaboration has been paramount in keeping the number of zika cases relatively low.