Nova Scotia confirms first Zika virus case

Nova Scotia has its first confirmed case of Zika, the virus that began spreading inSouth America last year and is linked to serious birth defects.

A woman who had been travelling late last year caught the virus while abroad,Frank Atherton, the deputy chief medical officer of health, told CBC's Maritime Noon onMonday.

The woman became ill, was tested and recently the results came back from the Winnipeg lab that confirmed she did have Zika, said Atherton. She didn't need hospital treatmentand has since recovered.

"The risk of Zika to Nova Scotians and Canadians is extremely low. We are not aware of any cases transmitted by mosquitos to humans that originated in Canada," Athertonsaid in a news release.

But for pregnant women, there could be significant risks.

Pregnant women should take travel precautions

"Pregnant women are advised not to travel toZika-affectedcountries,at the present time, because we're still learning a lot about this disease. It's very hard to actually quantify the risk," saidAtherton.

"Women who do travel there or have partners who travel there are advised to avoid pregnancy for two to six months after they return."

The virus mostly spreads to humans from mosquitos, and those mosquitos are unlikely to surviveNova Scotia's climate, the department said. In rare cases, it can be transmitted through sexual activity.

How to stay safe in Zika-affected countries

The department said men who have been in a Zika-affected country should use condoms for six months after returning home. Women should avoid trying to become pregnant for at least two months.

There is growing evidence thatZikacauses a serious birth defect calledmicrocephaly babies born with abnormally small heads.

Atherton offered tips for avoiding the virus aboard:

• Use insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin on exposed skin.
• Sleep under a bed net if you're outdoors or not fully enclosed.
• Book accommodation in places that are well screened, or completely enclosed.
• Cover up with long-sleeve shirts, pants and shoes (not sandals).

No specific treatment or vaccine

The World Health Organizationsayspeople with Zika virus diseasecan have symptoms that include mild fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for twoto sevendays.

It's estimated about one in fourpeople infected with Zika virus are believed to develop symptoms, federal health officials say.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

As of May 5, thePublic Health Agency of Canadareports67 travel-related cases involving Canadians and onelocally acquired case through sexual transmission in Canada.