How Pregnant Meghan Markle Is Handling the Zika Virus Threat Abroad
If you're a pregnant woman living internationally, the threat of the Zika virus is still a very real thing. And as of Monday, it is also something Meghan Markle now has to worry about.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced early Monday morning that they are expecting their first child in spring 2019, but the happy news was met with some well-intended concern. Harry and Meghan just landed in Australia for a half month-long royal tour, and as of right now, their itinerary includes stops in Fiji and Tonga. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have made it clear that these are areas with risk of Zika, which can cause severe birth defects when caught by pregnant women.
As of right now, reports say this risk won't really change the plan, though caution is being taken. A palace spokesperson told Entertainment Tonight that Markle is in "good health," and reports say she received medical advice before taking off on tour.
A spokesman said there is no change to their programme in Fiji and Tonga next week despite FCO advice that pregnant women should not travel to the region because of its moderate zika risk.
They said they had sought medical and advice and decided to go ahead with their plans.— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) October 15, 2018
She will be touching down in Fiji and Tonga, despite being pregnant, but Markle won't be doing every single part of the tour. ET says that Harry will go to the Fiji War Memorial and Colo-i-Suva forest solo.
For those asking, Duchess Meghan did receive medical advice before deciding to continue with travel to Fiji and Tonga. It’s worth noting that she will not be at the early morning Fiji War Memorial engagement in Suva or the Colo-i-Suva forest site that Harry is doing solo.
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) October 15, 2018
There isn't yet a vaccine or medicine to help prevent or treat Zika, but the CDC recommends talking over the risks with a doctor before going anywhere prone to it. If this Fiji and Tonga trip is still on, we'd imagine Markle did just that.
