Royal Visit: No Zika threat, says ministry
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s visit to Fiji will take place as scheduled despite misleading international reports of an imminent threat of the Zika virus in the country.
This came to light after CNN reported that there was a threat of Zika to the Duchess of Sussex Megan Markle’s unborn baby while visiting Fiji and Tonga.
However, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services had clarified that the Zika virus is not currently a public threat in Fiji.
In a statement released by the Ministry, it conducts regular surveillance which includes laboratory testing for the Zika virus in Fiji.
The confirmatory testing is done in the country at the National Public Health Laboratory. According to the Ministry, it has confirmed one detected case of Zika. However, there has never been a reported case of the Zika virus disease related complications in pregnancy (e.g. microcephaly) in Fiji. The Ministry continues to be vigilant in our surveillance for the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.
The Ministry said it would like to continue to encourage all Fijians and visitors to protect themselves from mosquito bites, which includes using DEET containing mosquito repellant.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle will be in the country from October 24 to 25. Edited by Caroline Ratucadra