No confirmed cases of Zika virus in Fiji

There have been no confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Fiji and the Pacific this year.

This has been confirmed by the Ministry of Health and also the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Public Health Division.

The Ministry of Health along with the SPC and World Health Organization is closely monitoring the Zika Virus situation regionally along with other diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya.

A Zika virus infection can only be confirmed by a laboratory diagnosis and the Pacific Islands overall have very limited capacity for Zika testing.

Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.

The illness is associated with symptoms lasting several days.

Pregnant women who have been infected with the Zika virus have given birth to babies who have underdeveloped brains.

There is a travel advisory for Africa, Southeast Asia and Southern America.

Last year, there were reported cases of the Zika virus in Frech Polynesia, Easter Island and Samoa.