Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™ LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

S Africa confirms first case of Zika virus

A Columbian man has been confirmed as presenting with the first case of the Zika virus in South Africa.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes float in a mosquito cage

South Africa has confirmed its first case of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in a Columbian man. (AAP)

South Africa has confirmed its first case of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in a Columbian man, health authorities say.

The virus, which is causing international alarm after spreading through much of the Americas, was detected in the man on his visit to Johannesburg, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said.

"The businessman presented with fever and a rash approximately four days after arrival in South Africa but is now fully recovered," he said.

The World Health Organisation declared the outbreak a global public health emergency on February 1, noting its association with two neurological disorders - microcephaly in babies and Guillain-Barre syndrome that can cause paralysis.


1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world