Nova Scotia has its first confirmed case of the Zika virus.
Dr. Frank Atherton, deputy chief medical officer of health, says a woman in her 30s was infected after travelling to a Zika-affected country.
She fell ill upon her return to Nova Scotia but has since fully recovered.
Atherton says people should take precautions before travelling abroad.
“If people are in a Zika-affected country they need to avoid being bitten by mosquitos which carry the virus and the way to do that is to cover up but also to wear mosquito repellent.
He says the risk of Zika to Nova Scotians is extremely low.
“Women who become infected with Zika virus and if they are pregnant at the time or become pregnant shortly afterwards, there can be a risk to the unborn baby.”
The virus causes mild illness or no symptoms in most people.
