Denmark reports first Zika virus case

Denmark has reported its first case of the mosquito-borne Zika virus, though it says there's no reason to fear it will spread.

There is no risk of a Zika outbreak in Denmark because the virus is transmitted via a mosquito species not found there, Danish health officials have said after the country reported its first case.

A Danish hospital reported late on Tuesday that a man had tested positive for the virus after a recent trip to Central and South America where the mosquito-borne virus has spread.

A week ago he started showing symptoms including fever and headache.

Tests showed he had a Zika infection, Aarhus University Hospital physician Lars Ostergaard told broadcaster DR on Wednesday, adding that the patient has now left the hospital.

Ostergaard and the Danish Health Agency noted that the mosquito species that spreads the virus is not found in Denmark.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says 21 countries and territories in the Americas have reported the virus since an outbreak was detected in Brazil last May.

The virus has been linked to birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil where researchers have noted a link between higher rates of babies born with unusually small heads and the spread of Zika.