Zika Virus

Australia pledges aid to help Tonga with Zika virus

The initial focus on strengthening the fight against the mosquito-borne virus would be in Tonga, Pacific Minister Steven Ciobo said in a statement.

He said Australia would work with World Health Organisation (WHO) officials and the Tongan government to control the mosquito population and increase access to testing.

Zika fears delay Tonga school's reopening

Radio Tonga reports that Tupou College delayed its reopening to clear the campus of mosquito breeding sites.

The health ministry said there have been five confirmed cases of zika in Tonga, with many more suspected to have it.

The zika virus has been linked to severe birth defects in thousands of babies in Brazil.