10 people on P.E.I. tested for the Zika virus, but so far no positives

P.E.I. health officialssay some Islandershave beentested for the Zika virus, but so far there areno positive cases.
Earlier this week, Nova Scotia reported its first confirmed case of Zika and someone in New Brunswick was diagnosed last month.

The virus, which began spreading in South America last year,is linked to serious birth defects.

P.E.I.'s chief public health officer, Dr.Heather Morrison, saidher officecontinues to monitor the situation with the Zika virus around the country.

"As of May 10, there have been ten tests submitted forZikain P.E.I. and there are no positive cases to date," said Morrison. "Overall the risk in Canada, as in P.E.I. and the Atlanticprovinces, remains very low. Mosquitos that are known to transmit the virus are not established in Canada and are not well suited to our climate."

"As of May 12, there have been 80 travel-related cases and one locally acquired case through sexual transmission, which have been reported in Canada," she said.

Morrison saidupdates are sent out regularly to health professionals on the Island as new information comes to light.

She saidthis time of year there are likely fewer people traveling to Zika-affected countries.

Pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant are still being advised not to travel to those areas.

MORE P.E.I. NEWS IJeremy Cummiskey sentenced to 33 months for assault

MORE P.E.I. NEWS IThe 14th Colony features a showdown on P.E.I.