Cayman Islands reports first Zika case

An Aedes aegypti mosquito, known to carry the Zika virus.

An Aedes aegypti mosquito, known to carry the Zika virus.

Published Aug 9, 2016

Share

George Town - The first locally contracted case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean nation's health department said.

The patient, a man, reported the first symptoms in late July and a sample was sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency for testing. He had not travelled to any countries in which Zika is present, the department said in a statement late on Monday.

Health authorities say infection with the Zika virus in pregnant women can cause the birth defect microcephaly and other severe brain abnormalities in babies.

Reuters

Related Topics: