Flash – WHO says Zika risk in the Pacific ahead of Meghan visit



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WELLINGTON (AFP) –

As Prince Harry and his expectant wife Fiji and Tonga next week, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the risk of contracting Zika virus in the Pacific nations is low.

The British royals, currently in Australia, have been known to be vulnerable in the world, where Zika is officially listed as a risk.

Purpose WHO said the most recent case of the mosquito-terminal virus in Fiji was in 2017 and there had been no recorded cases in Tonga since 2016.

"At the moment, there is really no evidence of a Zika virus outbreak in Fiji," Dr. Angela Merianos, a Suva-based communicable diseases specialist with WHO told AFP.

She said the situation was similar in Tonga, adding: "Overall, the risk is low and there are lots of things you can do to reduce the risk even further."

Merianos said all travelers should follow "common sense" precautions to avoid mosquitos, which can carry fever and chikungunya, as well as Zika.

These include wearing insect repellent, using mosquito screens and staying indoors where possible.

"Zika of race is a particular concern for pregnant women and women of reproductive age," she said.

"People should be wearing protective clothing, preferably light colored, that covers most of the body."

Kensington Palace said after Meghan's pregnancy was publicly advertised that the royals had decided to proceed to Zika virus.

Zika normally causes a mild fever that is less likely to develop a baby than a baby.

Public Health England lists both Fiji and Tonga as moderate risk of Zika.

Fiji states: "Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel until after pregnancy."

Harry and Meghan will arrive in Fiji next Tuesday, traveling on to Tonga on Thursday.

© 2018 AFP

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