The latest person to be diagnosed with the Zika virus in Ireland is believed to have just returned from Brazil.
This is the fourth case in Ireland in recent months, two of the cases were people returning from Colombia while a third person caught the virus during a trip to Barbados.
Zika facts according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre:
- Zika is spread by a mosquito called the Aedes mosquito, and it is a mild infection that for the most part is not harmful.
- The illness can last from two to seven days on average.
- 8 out of every 10 people infected will not notice the symptoms.
- The Zika virus can be potentially dangerous for expectant mothers as it can cause birth defects.
People travelling to countries affected are advised to take increased precautions to limit exposure to mosquitoes: wear long trousers and sleeves, use insect repellent and avoid areas where there is likely to be a high density of mosquitoes. The use of mosquito nets is also recommended.
