14/09/2016

Cases Of Zika Virus Confirmed In NI

Less than five people have been diagnosed with the Zika virus in Northern Ireland since 2015, according to the Public Health Agency (PHA).

The cases had a history of travel to Zika-affected areas.

The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. The infection often occurs without symptoms but it can cause a mild illness which can include fever, headache, rash, joint and muscle pain, and conjunctivitis.

There have been 117 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the UK since the outbreak last year.

A spokesperson from the PHA said: "There is no change to the current Zika risk assessment, in that the risk to the public in Northern Ireland is very low."

(CD/JP)

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