Two UK hospitals in Yorkshire have reported cases of the Zika virus, even though it is mostly spread by mosquitoes in sub-tropical countries.
Aedes aegypti mosquitos carry the virus and can transmit them to humans through a bite are present in the pacfic region, like South American and the Caribbean. The virus can be transmitted between people through sexual contact.
In most cases, the virus is mild and not harmful. However, it can be more serious for pregnant women, with evidence proving that it causes birth defects – in particular small heads, a condition called microcephaly.
The two hospitals, reported to be in Calderdale and Huddersfield, have confirmed that the Zika virus has infected three people who recently returned from overseas.
An infection control report submitted to the hospitals’ trust board on Thursday reportedly said: “Three patients have tested positive for Zika virus following return from foreign travel.”
Dr Gavin Boyd, infection control lead at Calderdale and Huddersfield hospitals, said: “There is no specific treatment for Zika and it usually wears off naturally after two to seven days.
He added that there is no need to be worried: “There is extremely low risk of contracting Zika virus in the UK as the mosquito that transmits the infection is not present in the UK, however it can be spread by sexual transmission.”
Fifty-three people have been confirmed with Zika virus in the UK so far, Public Health England has said.
In February, the World Health Organisation declared Zika to be an international public health emergency.
Many Olympic athletes are not travelling to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 2016 Olympic Games because of a high-profile spread of the virus in the country.
We’ll bring you more on this as it happens.