The first case of the Zika virus in Ireland is currently being investigated by Health Authorities.
According to the Irish Times, well-placed sources have said that one confirmed case and one suspected case are currently under investigation and are understood to be a man and a woman who returned to Ireland from overseas.
Yesterday, the virus was declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be an international public health emergency, having been reported in numerous locations around the globe of late.
The virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites but can also be transmitted sexually, will only lead to mild symptoms for the majority of people who contract it, but it is regarded as a more serious concern for pregnant women.
UPDATE: In a statement this evening, the HSE said that the people involved in the two unrelated cases in Ireland are both well and fully recovered.
“Both individuals have a history of travel to a Zika affected country, the statement read.
“These are the first cases of Zika virus infection confirmed in Ireland. Neither case is at risk of pregnancy.”
“Zika virus is spread through the bite of a mosquito that is in certain countries but which is not present in Ireland,” the statement added.
“If you become ill within two weeks after your return to Ireland from an affected area, you should contact your doctor for assessment and let him/her know of your recent travel history to an affected area.”
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