100 have Zika virus in UK... and it’s rising
ALMOST 100 people have been diagnosed with the Zika virus in the UK.
Government documents have revealed there are 98 people with the mosquitoborne virus, mainly as a result of travelling abroad to affected countries.
It can also be sexually transmitted.
Pregnant women are most at risk because infections can damage the brains of unborn children.
New tests have also revealed there could be an additional 40 cases.
The statistics come after medics admitted last month that there had been more than 50 cases of the virus since the start of the year.
Professor Paul Cosford, of Public Health England, said: “Historically, we have only reported the number of Zika cases confirmed by a test that detects the virus in the bloodstream or urine.
“However, as the virus is often present within the bloodstream and urine for a short period of time, we have now included results from recently evaluated tests involving antibodies.”
Most cases diagnosed in the UK have come as a result of travelling to the Caribbean. Of those that have been to South America, most went to Colombia, Brazil and Venezuela.
Florida is also facing a growing battle to control the spread of the virus. Theme parks are spearheading the drive for mosquito-repellent after an increasing number of cases.
Dr Imran Rafi, of the Royal College of GPs, said patients returning from danger zones, and who are experiencing feverish symptoms, should not panic.
This could indicate a number of things, but they “should seek medical assistance”.