Advertisement

First case of Zika virus confirmed in New Brunswick, low risk for residents

Click to play video: 'First case of Zika confirmed in New Brunswick'
First case of Zika confirmed in New Brunswick
WATCH ABOVE: The Department of Health has confirmed the first case of Zika Virus in New Brunswick. As Global’s Jeremy Keefe reports, despite releasing very little information health officials say there is nothing to fear – Apr 29, 2016

The New Brunswick health department has confirmed the province’s first case of the Zika virus.

The virus was detected in a person who recently travelled to an area affected by the outbreak.

READ MORE: First Canadian case of sexually transmitted Zika virus detected in Ontario

The individual has recovered from the virus and was not hospitalized.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The health department is assuring New Brunswickers that there is a very low risk of contraction to anyone who hasn’t travelled to an affected area.

“The species of mosquitoes that can carry the virus are unable to survive the cool weather in New Brunswick or Canada,” explained Dr. Jennifer Russell in a statement.

READ MORE: New donation rules imposed by Zika virus mean more blood donors needed

The virus, transmitted primarily through mosquito bites, has been cause for much concern after an outbreak of the illness spread across parts of the Americas, African and Asian countries as well as countries along the south and west Pacific.

Story continues below advertisement

On Monday, Canadian health officials confirmed the country’s first sexually-transmitted case of Zika virus in Ontario.

The species of mosquito that carries the virus, however, isn’t found in Canada due to the cold climate.

Sponsored content

AdChoices