Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
SEVERAL PEOPLE FROM Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with the Zika virus.
It is understood a person was treated as recently as last week, the BBC has reported.
It is believed those diagnosed with Zika had all travelled outside of Northern Ireland.
The Public Health Agency confirmed that fewer than five people have been treated locally for the disease in the last year.
“Zika does not occur naturally in the UK,” the PHA said in a statement.
However, since 2015, the Public Health Agency (PHA) can confirm that there have been less than five cases of Northern Ireland residents diagnosed with Zika virus.
“All have a history of travel to Zika-affected areas.”
It’s unclear as yet if the cases are a result of UK athletes travelling to Brazil for the Olympic Games.
Rory McIlroy, who is from Co Down, was among a number of golfers who decided not to take part in the Rio Olympics this summer, because of the risk posed by Zika.
The mosquito is not present in the UK but is common in South America, Africa and Asia.
Deformation
The World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a global public health emergency.
According to the NHS in the UK, most cases of Zika virus disease are spread by infected mosquitoes biting humans.
There have been a small number of reports of Zika virus being passed on through sexual transmission, although the risk is thought to be low.
In most people, Zika causes only mild symptoms but in pregnant women it can cause microcephaly, a deformation in which babies are born with abnormally small brains and heads.
The infection has been linked to thousands of cases in babies worldwide. In adults, Zika infections have also been linked to neurological disorders, including a rare syndrome known as Guillain-Barre.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency said there was no specific treatment for Zika other than supportive measures such as hydration for those who have symptoms.
The agency told the BBC that its policy is not to give the exact number of diagnosed cases if it is fewer than five, as it may identify those affected.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Oul protestants, up to no good as usual
Bang goes unification
Misdiagnosis most likely. They’ve always had small heads.
Looking at the Orange Order, the Zika virus would represent an evolutionary step in the right direction.
Potentially best comment ever for me. Soiled the carpet.
I reckon one of the little buggers hitched a ride on Rory McIlroy and got off in Northern Ireland…
Rory is just a son of one of the infected.
So.
Rory McIlroy like John Halligan has been proved right after all.
Shankill Road is the birthplace of the Zika virus
I reckon one of the little feckers hitched a ride on Rory McIlroy and got off in Northern Ireland…
Mildly amusing the first time. Not so much the second time.
Billy mooney.. Spokesman for the people…
“Zika does not occur naturally in the UK,” the PHA said in a statement.
Neither did Matricaria discoidea, Fallopia japonica and Heracleum mantegazzianum…
http://www.plantlife.org.uk/our_work/campaigns/inns/avoid/
Hello stranger…
And it can be classed as a STI as well now? So coming to a night club near you soon?
The bar men will have to use hot water now on the beer glasses ;)
Is zike found in urine, anyone know as if it is then it will end up in the drinking water knowing here?
have your say