Zika virus fears over Meghan & Harry trip
Royals to travel to South Pacific amid outbreak of virus
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle’s plan for an official trip to Fiji and Tonga comes amid a Zika virus and dengue fever outbreak on the islands.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will visit Australia, New Zealand and the two South Pacific islands on their first major overseas tour together in October.
Pals of the couple have revealed that the newlyweds had discussed starting a family “as soon as possible”, but the tour could affect their plans to have a child.
Pregnant women are advised to avoid areas where mosquito-borne Zika is present, as the disease can cause micro- cephaly, a condition where babies are born with abnormally small heads.
A source said: “The Duke and Duchess will have taken advice at the highest level before deciding that they were happy to go ahead and plan the trip.”
The Foreign Office advises: “Couples should follow guidance on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika and avoid conception while travelling and for up to six months on return.”
This makes it unlikely that Meghan, who turns 37 on August 4, and Harry, 33, would try to conceive until May 2019.
Sources have suggested Meghan may skip the trip should she fall pregnant before October.
The Foreign Office also warns about recent outbreaks of dengue fever in Fiji, stating “some cases have been the potentially fatal haemorrhagic fever strain”.
Our source said: “Every precaution will be taken. The royal couple’s health is naturally of the utmost importance.”