Denmark reports case of untreatable Zika virus

A Danish resident has become the first person in Europe to have the as-yet untreatable virus, Zika.

The man is believed to have contracted the disease while travelling in Latin America where the virus has taken hold, according to national broadcaster DR.

‘A Danish tourist who travelled to Central and South America was diagnosed on his return with the Zika virus,’ Aarhus hospital said.

The statement added that the patient ran a fever, had a headache and muscle aches and was discovered as having the virus yesterday.

He was allowed to go home after doctors made sure that he was feeling well.

The hospital released no further details about the patient but it says that there is little risk of it spreading in Denmark because the mosquito carrying the virus isn’t found in the country.

Three Britons travelling in Colombia, Suriname and Guyana have all picked up the disease and pregnant women have been warned not to travel to the region.

The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.

Brazil said the number of babies born with suspected microcephaly – abnormally small heads – since October had reached almost 4,000.

The WHO said women planning to travel to areas where Zika is circulating – including Latin America and the Caribbean – should consult healthcare providers before travelling and on return.

The virus is transmitted by mosquito bites – but there is no vaccine, and disease suppression focuses on using insecticides, special nets and screens.