The second case of imported Zika virus has been reported by the Department of Health.

The announcement comes almost a week after the ministry confirmed the first case of a person being infected with the virus after travelling to a Zika affected country.

Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health, maintained there had been no local spread of the virus.

“There has been no local spread of Zika virus reported in Bermuda, and the absence of any outbreaks of mosquito-transmitted diseases in several decades makes Bermuda a low risk location for local transmission,” she said.

A Government statement released this evening urged the public to guard against mosquito bites and sexual transmission both away and at home in order to keep Bermuda’s risk as low as possible.

“The Department of Health continues to work with healthcare providers, and local and regional public health partners to monitor possible imported cases,” a spokeswoman said.

“The department will continue to test those suspected of having Zika virus. When a suspected case is identified, the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit advises the person how to protect the community at the time of testing and Vector Control steps up routine surveillance in a three-mile radius of the home of their home.

“If travellers to Zika-affected areas experience fever with joint pains, rash or conjunctivitis, they should seek medical attention and inform the healthcare provider of their recent travel history.”

The public is advised to use an EPA-approved insect repellent every time you go outside, drain standing water where mosquitoes can breed around homes and offices on a weekly basis and wear long sleeves and pants when outside.

After travel in a Zika area men and women should protect their sexual partner by using condoms correctly and consistently for six months.