Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

A two-month-old child in Brazil born with microcephaly

Zika virus spreading into Europe as Danish national tests positive

The man is currently being treated in the city of Aarhus.

A DANISH NATIONAL has become the first European to test positive for the Zika virus.

They had recently travelled to South and Central America where thousands of people have been infected by the virus.

The virus can be hard to detect and carries a particular threat for pregnant women, with those infected giving birth to children with microcephaly – a condition characterised by a smaller head size.

Denmark’s national broadcaster DR is saying this morning that the infected man is being treated at a hospital in the country’s second largest city, Aarhus.

It is understood they presented to a doctor with flu-like symptoms, before tests revealed that it was the virus.

There is currently no cure or treatment for Zika, which has so far mostly been limited to South and Central America.

Last week it was announced that three UK travellers had been diagnosed with the Zika virus.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advice to anyone thinking of going to any of the countries where it is prevalent, with pregnant women being advised to: “discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider and to consider postponing your travel to affected areas”.

Read: Zika virus: Travel warning issued for pregnant Irish women

Also: What you need to know about the ‘brain-shrinking’ virus now appearing in the US

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Michael Sheils McNamee
View 22 comments
Close
22 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds