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As Prince Harry and his future wife Meghan prepare to travel to Fiji and Tonga next week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the risk of contracting the Zika virus in the Pacific is low.
The members of the British Royal Family, currently in Australia, organized their trip before Meghan's pregnancy was known, raising fears that her unborn baby would be vulnerable in island countries, where Zika is officially listed as a risk.
The WHO, however, reported that the last case of transmission of mosquito-transmitted virus in Fiji dates back to 2017 and that no cases have been reported in Tonga since 2016.
"At the moment, there is really no evidence of a Zika virus outbreak in Fiji," a Suva-based communicator, Angela Merianos, told AFP.
She said the situation was similar in Tonga, adding, "Overall, the risk is low and there are many things you can do to further reduce this risk."
Merianos said all travelers should follow "common sense" precautions to avoid mosquitoes, which may carry dengue and chikungunya, as well as Zika.
These include wearing an insect repellent, using mosquito nets and staying indoors where possible.
"Zika is of course a particular concern for pregnant women and women of childbearing age," she said.
"People should wear protective clothing, preferably light in color, covering most of the body."
Kensington Palace announced that Meghan had publicly announced that the royal family had decided to continue the journey after seeking medical advice about the Zika virus.
Zika normally causes a mild fever that lasts less than a week, but if a pregnant woman is infected, the baby may develop microcephaly, a lower head size than normal and other congenital anomalies.
Public Health England mentions Fiji and Tonga as having a moderate risk of zika.
The council of the UK Department of Health advises travelers traveling to Fiji: "Pregnant women should consider postponing nonessential travel after pregnancy."
Harry and Meghan will arrive in Fiji next Tuesday to travel to Tonga on Thursday.
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