(TRUNEWS) Health officials have confirmed two cases of the Zika virus in Sydney, from passengers who were traveling back to Australia from the Caribbean.
Dr Vicky Sheppeard, the Director of Communicable Diseases at the New South Wales (NWS) Health department said “It is very unlikely that Zika virus established local transmission in NSW as the mosquitoes that spread the infection are not established here – although they are found in some parts of north Queensland.”
The department said the NSW residents had mild cases of the virus and have now recovered, but public researchers say there is “a significant likelihood” that the this was not the first time the Zika virus had been carried to Australia by unsuspecting travelers.
“Zika virus recommendations.” – REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado –
As for a domestic outbreak, experts say the Zika virus can only be carried by one type of Australian mosquito, the yellow fever mosquito, which doesn’t live outside the tropics.
The cases in Sydney come on the heels of the announcement by the World Health Organization Monday, that the Zika pandemic is to be considered an international public health emergency.
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