'Extremely Small' Risk Of Zika Virus To NI – PHA

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has said there is an "extremely small" risk of the Zika virus to Northern Ireland's population.

It comes after the Republic of Ireland confirmed two cases of the virus.

The virus, which is mosquito-borne, causes symptoms including light fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. It isn't believed to be harmful in most cases, but there are concerns that it could be harmful for pregnant women, or those who are hoping to become pregnant. It has been potentially linked to birth defects, specifically microcephaly, where the head circumference of a newborn baby is smaller than expected.

In a statement, the PHA has advised pregnant women and those planning pregnancy to consider avoiding travel to areas where Zika virus outbreaks have been reported. They said all travellers to affected countries – mainly in central and south America and the Caribbean – should seek travel health advice from their GP or a travel clinic in advance of their trip.

Women returning from the affected countries should also avoid getting pregnant for 28 days.

Dr Lorraine Doherty, Assistant Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: "The PHA is working with Public Health England on monitoring the virus and we are issuing advice to healthcare professionals in Northern Ireland on appropriate actions that may need to be taken.

"At present we are not aware of any suspected or confirmed cases of Zika virus in Northern Ireland. The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos, which are not native to Northern Ireland, so the risk to the population here is extremely small.

"Almost all cases of the virus are acquired through mosquito bites and not through human-to-human contact, so those who have been in an affected country need to be particularly mindful of the signs and symptoms of the infection. A very small number of cases have occurred through sexual transmission."

She added: "Anyone returning from one of the Zika-affected countries with these symptoms should contact their GP who will offer the appropriate advice. If a person acquires Zika virus infection abroad and becomes ill on their return, any risk to the wider population is negligible."

Further advice on affected countries and information on the Zika virus can be found on the PHA's website.

(JP)