First Case of Zika Virus Confirmed in MA

Public health officials say the risk for Canadians is low and limited to those who travel or live in regions where the virus is circulating.

Since 2014, Zika cases have been reported in the Americas and imported cases have been confirmed in Europe, Asia and Oceania.

A day after World Health Organization warned that Zika virus was spreading “explosively”, the government also made a decision to strengthen its surveillance system and asserted that it is taking all measures to ensure that it is “well prepared” in case of any eventuality.

The entomological surveys have revealed that the mosquitoes carrying this disease do not exist in Morocco, the Ministry pointed out in a statement following the recent outbreak of Zika virus infection in Latin America.

According to Reuters, the World Health Organisation (WHO) expects the Zika virus, which is spreading through the Americas, to affect between three million and four million people.

The Zika virus was first detected in Africa in 1947 and is spread by day-time biting mosquitoes.

Ms Mani said the ministry was aware of peer reviewed articles from Brazil regarding Zika-associated/induced microcephaly. Though the virus is thought to only be seriously harmful to pregnant women because of the effect it can have on fetuses, many are wondering: if the virus can harm unborn babies, can the Zika virus harm toddlers?

“Will we see local transmission?”.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending pregnant women consider postponing travel to affected areas. Those who develop symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, recover within about a week.

The disease is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The Ministry for Health and Medical Services says no Zika virus case has been recorded in Fiji so far.

The woman consulted a doctor upon returning home and is now fully recovered, Arruda said.

There are now 22 countries that have reported incidences of the Zika virus, mainly located in South America and even in some developed nations like the United States.