Northern Irelands public health agency has confirmed that several people have contracted the Zika virus.
It’s believed all those who were infected had recently returned from areas known to have high instances of the virus.
The Zika virus is spread from bites of a certain mosquito known as Aedes, but can also be sexually transmitted.
For most people, the symptoms are very mild, however, pregnant women are at a higher risk. Scientists have now made a direct link between the virus and baby’s born with underdeveloped heads.
The mosquito is not present in Ireland but is common to areas in Asia and South America.
There have been over 100 cases of Zika in the UK in the past year according to reports by the BBC
Today the update from Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency is that fewer than five people have been affected and says the risk to the public is ‘very low’.
Check out these 10 facts every pregnant woman should know about Zika, Here.
