China has confirmed its first case of the Zika virus in a 34-year-old man who recently travelled to South America, according to Xinhua, citing China's National Health and Family Planning Commission.

The man comes from Ganxian county in the eastern province of Jiangxi. Chinese health officials have given little credibility to the chances of the virus spreading because of the winter cold. 

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According to the Department of Health in Hong Kong, the man had traveled through the city and Shenzhen on his way back from Venezuela, where he had started to experience symptoms of the virus, such as fever and dizziness. He has been under quarantine in a hospital in his hometown since Feb. 6 and is reportedly recuperating well.

Port Health officials in Hong Kong carried out inspections at the airport following the case and conducted reinforced training for boundary control officers. There is an increased risk of the virus to spread locally since the virus-carrying mosquito Aedes Albopictus is present in the city. But so far, there have no reported cases yet.

The bureau is currently reviewing the itinerary of the man as he transited throughout the city, Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health Ko Wing-man told reporters.

The zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease and has been associated with birth defects, particularly microcephaly (a condition where babies are born with an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brains). The disease is a big concern for women who are pregnant or are planning to be pregnant. Most people infected suffer only from mild symptoms like fever and skin rash.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus an international health emergency. It has rapidly spread in the southern and central parts of America and the Caribbean. Brazil has badly been affected, raising questions about the country's capability to host the upcoming summer Olympics this August. Meanwhile, China has expressed commitment to help fight the virus.

TagsZika virus in China, Zika virus outbreak, Zika virus, Hong Kong