2 Feb 2016

Zika fears delay Tonga school's reopening

8:23 pm on 2 February 2016

One of Tonga's main secondary schools has closed to boarders until Thursday because of fears about the spread of the zika virus.

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.

Entrance to Tupou College, Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Entrance to Tupou College, Nuku'alofa, Tonga Photo: Facebook