Foreign Office warns UK tourists over virus with 'no vaccine or medication to prevent it'

There is rising levels of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and zika, the Foreign Office has explained

The UK Foreign Office has warned UK tourists heading to Brazil over a rise of zika virus. In an update for British holidaymakers heading out of the European Union on holidays, tourists have been warned they face a rise of zika while abroad in the South America hotspot.

There is rising levels of yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya and zika, the Foreign Office has explained. Most people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms. For those with symptoms, Zika virus infection is usually a mild and short-lived illness, according to Travel Health Pro.

Symptoms may include: fever, headache, conjunctivitis (red, sore eyes), joint and muscle pain, a rash, itching and swollen joints. There is no specific treatment; but rest, fluids and pain relief help relieve symptoms. Serious complications and deaths from Zika virus are not common.

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There is no vaccine or medication to prevent Zika virus infection. Prevention is by minimising mosquito bites; the mosquito that spreads Zika virus is most active in daylight hours, Travel Health Pro has gone on to warn on its website.

The Foreign Office added: "Foreign nationals are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be overcrowded and there’s often a long wait for a bed and a lack of medication.

"Private hospitals will not accept you unless you can show evidence of enough money or insurance to cover your treatment." On Travel health Pro, the experts advise travellers should be vigilant with insect bite precautions.

Brits heading to regions where Zika virus occurs should ideally seek travel health advice from their GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before travel. This is particularly important for those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, anyone with a severe, chronic medical condition or a medical condition that weakens their immune system