Northern Ireland Zika update

Zika does not occur naturally in the UK. However, since 2015, the Public Health Agency (PHA) can confirm that there have been less than five cases of Northern Ireland residents diagnosed with Zika virus. All have a history of travel to Zika-affected areas.
  
The Zika virus is an infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitos. The infection often occurs without symptoms but it can cause a mild illness which can include fever, headache, rash, joint and muscle pain, and conjunctivitis. 

For those with symptoms, Zika virus tends to cause a mild, short-lived (two to seven days) illness. There is no specific treatment for Zika virus disease other than supportive measures (such as analgesics and hydration) for those who have symptoms and patients affected are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids.

There is no change to the current Zika risk assessment, in that the risk to the public in Northern Ireland is very low.

For more information on Zika see:  http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/directorate-public-health/health-protection/holiday-travel-advice