The Department of Health confirms that a person who recently travelled to a Zika-affected country has been diagnosed with Zika. This represents the second confirmed imported (travel-related) case of Zika virus in Bermuda. 

Although widespread, ongoing local transmission remains unlikely, the public is asked to guard against mosquito bites and sexual transmission both away and at home in order to keep Bermuda’s risk as low as possible.

The Ministry of Health and Seniors does not discuss the specifics of individual cases, but can confirm that there are several people who recently returned from overseas who are suspected of having Zika virus. Given that we have a population that travels frequently, this will occur from time to time.  

Vector Control’s team is always checking properties to control mosquitoes in order to reduce the risk of onward transmission through mosquito bites. To protect oneself against any mosquito-borne illness, the public is reminded to:

The Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment would like to remind the public of the importance of preventing the occurrence of Zika in Bermuda. Currently, there have been no cases of Zika virus identified in Bermuda. However, as the warmer weather approaches and worldwide travel increases, it is important to maintain prevention efforts. We wish to update the public on how to keep Zika virus out of Bermuda.