Fiji is now on the growing list of Zika-affected destinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday added Fiji to its list of countries and territories where the Zika virus is actively spreading.

The archipelago joins 40 other locations, including recent additions such as Kosrae (in Micronesia), Dominica and Cuba.

For countries on the list, the CDC recommends pregnant women cancel or postpone travel, and women trying to get pregnant speak with their healthcare provider.

Men are also advised to use condoms with pregnant partners — even if they do not experience Zika symptoms. Only about one in five people infected with the virus experiences symptoms, which are typically mild.

People who live in areas with active Zika transmission are advised to take precautions so as to prevent mosquito bites. Zika is transmitted by mosquitos as well as through sexual contact.

While the symptoms of the virus are typically mild, the virus can cause more serious disorders including birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome — a nerve disorder which can cause temporary paralysis in adults.

Inclusion on CDC's list indicates a country or territory has confirmed local transmission by mosquito. 

A spokesperson for Tourism Fiji told Mashable "there are no reported cases of the Zika virus in areas frequented by tourists."

Local officials are taking extra precautions, however, to protect tourists: Hotel guests can receive complimentary mosquito repellent, and maintenance teams are monitoring "almost all resorts," according to the spokesperson, "to ensure mosquito breeding places are destroyed."

"We are fortunate that there is no outbreak of Zika virus in Fiji," said Jone Usamate, Fiji's honorary minister for health and medical services. "We continue to intensify surveillance activities for testing suspected cases, considering that Fiji is a hub for trade and travel in the region."

Fiji had a record 754,835 foreign tourists in 2015.

Australia and New Zealand send the most visitors, while North America — including the U.S. and Canada — comes in third. In 2015, 10.6% of Fiji's visitors were from North America.

This article has been updated with comment from Tourism Fiji.

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