Meghan Markle Is Visiting Regions At Risk Of Zika Virus While Pregnant Against Medical Advice. Why Didn’t She Cancel It?

October 16, 2018

On October 15, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced they are expecting a baby in the spring of 2019. It was published on the official Twitter account of the Kensington Palace and became a big and happy surprise for the whole world.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. pic.twitter.com/Ut9C0RagLk
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 15, 2018

A palace spokesperson confirmed that Meghan Markle has passed her 12-week mark of pregnancy and feels well.

People reacted immediately, looking for old photos of Harry and Meghan with kids, and posting them on social media. Prince Harry looks indeed cute on this picture, holding a small baby in his hands.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Harry And Meghan (@sussex_family) on Oct 15, 2018 at 5:02am PDT

No changes in the royal schedule

But despite the pregnancy, Meghan Markle is not going to change her royal tour. The royal couple is now in Sydney, Australia, to embark on a two-week tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Royal Addicted (@royal.addicted) on Oct 15, 2018 at 9:24pm PDT

Nevertheless, there was the information from the Foreign Office of a risk of Zika virus on the islands of Fiji and Tonga. Everything will continue as planned, but Meghan Markle will make some minor changes: she will not attend the Fiji War Memorial or the Colo-i-Suva forest, Harry will be visiting those places alone.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by British Royal Family (@windsorroyalfamily) on Oct 15, 2018 at 11:52pm PDT

I woke this morning to good news.Hearing of Duchess Meghan's having a baby made my day.There is not a lot of good news here in America,but seeing that our American princess is happy,is wonderful.
— mrs.Melvin Johnson (@mrsMelvinJohns2) October 15, 2018

Why Zika virus is dangerous, safety measures

Zika virus disease is mainly spread by mosquitoes, for most people it is a mild infection and isn't harmful. But Zika can be very dangerous for pregnant women. As reported by Mayo Clinic:

Zika virus infections during pregnancy have been linked to miscarriage and can cause microcephaly, a potentially fatal congenital brain condition. Zika virus also may cause other neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock.com

How to reduce Zika virus infection? According to NHS, it is necessary to:

use insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin;
wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs;
sleep under a mosquito net in areas where malaria is also a risk.

Fang-Chun Liu / Shutterstock.com

We are sure Meghan Markle and Prince Harry analyzed the situation carefully and made the right decision for themselves and their future baby. Nevertheless, it is highly important to know safety measures to reduce the risk of getting a Zika virus.