Meghan Markle Has A Secret Weapon To Avoid Zika In Fiji

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their first royal tour as a married couple, visiting Commonwealth countries Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced shortly after arriving in Australia last week that they’re expecting their first child together. This is, of course, amazing news, however, it sparked some concern for Meghan’s safety during the tour. Both Fiji and Tonga have a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission.
For those who need a quick refresher on Zika, the virus is spread through mosquito bites and can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. If a pregnant woman contracts the virus, it can cause a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly.
Meghan, who is four months pregnant, is taking extra precautions while visiting Fiji and Tonga. One way she’s combatting the virus is through her wardrobe. It turns out her royal wardrobe is more than just fashionable; it’s a secret weapon.
 
“There is a lot you can do to minimize risks,” James G. Logan, head of the Department of Disease Control at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, revealed toPeople magazine. “Wearing long sleeves and baggy clothes will help. Mosquitos can even bite through jeans, so if the clothing is loose it’s much harder for the mosquito to bite.”
Logan also said that: “Wearing light-colored clothing can help, as these mosquitoes are often attracted to dark clothing. It also helps you spot them, if you see a dark mosquito on a light piece of clothing.”
Meghan wore a loose-fitting, long-sleeve dress while visiting Suva on Wednesday (Oct. 24), which shows she’s taking care to choose outfits that will protect her from mosquito bites. She also wore a white dress when she arrived in Fiji.
The Daily Mirror reports that a source revealed: “The duke and duchess will have taken advice at the highest level before deciding that they were happy to go ahead and plan the trip. Every precaution will be taken. The royal couple’s health is naturally of the utmost importance.”