Pregnant Meghan 'pulls out' of royal trip to Zambia due to fears over Zika virus

Pregnant Meghan Markle has reportedly pulled out of a visit to Zambia over fears about the Zika Virus.

According to The Sun, the 37-year-old always intended to join Prince Harry on his two-day tour of the African country, but has decided to stay in Britain.

The former Suits star will instead spend quality time with her mother Doria, while the Duke of Sussex carries out his duties.

Harry flew out of the UK on Saturday night to begin his two-day trip – which was always officially billed as a solo trip.

The news comes after it was reported that Meghan was advised to avoid foreign trips that risk exposing her to the Zika virus.

An insider told The Sun: “As far as those on the ground in Zambia were concerned both Meghan and Harry were going. But Meghan is exhausted and, understandably, expressed serious concerns about travelling to a country with even the smallest Zika threat.

“In the end it was agreed Harry would go it alone and Meghan could rest-up and spend some quality time with Doria, who is down in the UK visiting.”

What is Zika virus?

The Zika virus is spread by mosquito bites, between people during unprotected sex, and from pregnant mothers to their children.

It cannot be cured or prevented with medicines. Although most adults do not become seriously ill from the infection, it can cause serious birth defects if pregnant women get it.

Foetuses’ brains can be affected by the virus when it is passed on from the mother and it can cause microcephaly – a condition in which babies’ heads are unusually small, which can lead to seizures, delayed development and other disabilities.

Fiji and Tonga are also countries that have a Zika risk, but the Duchess travelled there last month as part of her first international tour.

Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com

Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Or sign up to our daily newsletter here.