As the Zika virus spreads internationally, a Bermuda Government spokesman has claimed its mosquito control programme is “the envy of many other islands”.

Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that results in fever, rash and joint pains, among other symptoms.

Outbreaks have spread to multiple North, Central and South American countries to date, although Bermuda has yet to experience a case.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Health, Seniors and Environment said that Bermuda’s small size and high standard of living helped to minimise the number of mosquitos.

“The Vector Control Section of the Environmental Health Department works diligently to monitor mosquito distribution and eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” he said.

“It also continually monitors the amount of mosquito activity all year round at sites around the island, so can easily identify any changes in the population.”