A 32-year-old Maltese is being held in isolation at his home after suffering the Zika virus.

The man had travelled to American Samoa in January and subsequently suffered fever on January 29. He arrived in Malta on February 3, by which time he had no fever and was not contagious.

The man has since recovered.

He informed his family doctor while he was still abroad and it was decided that he would be held in isolation. 

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Fearne told a press conference that the man flew in on a flight from Dubai on February 3 but since he had no fever at the time there was no risk to other passengers.

A 24/7 helpline has been set up with number 2132 4086.

The virus has been causing international alarm after spreading through much of the Americas.

Zika has spread quickly in South and Central America and the Caribbean, with Brazil the worst affected country.

The World Health Organization declared an international health emergency on February 1 over the virus, citing concern over a possible link with a rise in cases of microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by an abnormally small head that can result in developmental problems. 

The Maltese authorities earlier this month appointed a working group to monitor and advise about the virus.

See more at http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20160204/local/maltese-working-group-to-monitor-and-advise-on-zika-virus.601271

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