10 people on P.E.I. tested for the Zika virus, but so far no positives

'There are no positive cases to date...overall the risk in P.E.I. remains very low'

Image | Dr. Heather Morrison

Caption: P.E.I. Chief Health Officer Dr. Heather Morrison says there are no positive cases to date on the Island. (CBC)

P.E.I. health officials say some Islanders have been tested for the Zika virus, but so far there are no positive cases.
Earlier this week, Nova Scotia reported its first confirmed case of Zika and someone in New Brunswick was diagnosed last month.
The virus, which began spreading in South America last year, is linked to serious birth defects.
P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, Dr.Heather Morrison, said her office continues to monitor the situation with the Zika virus around the country.
"As of May 10, there have been ten tests submitted for Zika in P.E.I. and there are no positive cases to date," said Morrison. "Overall the risk in Canada, as in P.E.I. and the Atlantic provinces, remains very low. Mosquitos that are known to transmit the virus are not established in Canada and are not well suited to our climate."
"As of May 12, there have been 80 travel-related cases and one locally acquired case through sexual transmission, which have been reported in Canada," she said.

Image | Zika Mosquito 5 Things

Caption: The Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads the Zika virus, as well as dengue fever and chikungunya. (James Gathany/CDC/Associated Press)

Morrison said updates are sent out regularly to health professionals on the Island as new information comes to light.
She said this time of year there are likely fewer people traveling to Zika-affected countries.
Pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant are still being advised not to travel to those areas.
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