Meghan Markle, Prince Harry May Delay Pregnancy Due To Zika Virus

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may not be having a baby anytime soon because of a health concern.

The odds on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex making a pregnancy announcement this year have plummeted. According to Rebecca Perring, a journalist for Express, this could be due to Prince Harry and Markle's upcoming trip abroad.

Prince Harry and Markle are set to visit Tonga and Fiji for their official overseas tour. However, these places are Zika-infected and are not safe for pregnant women. In fact, women visiting areas plagued by this highly infectious virus are advised to wait "at least six months" before trying to conceive.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has already confirmed that Tonga is affected by the Zika virus. "Zika virus has been reported in Tonga. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes in Tonga are infected with Zika and spreading it to people," the report stated.

"Many people infected with Zika virus do not get sick or only have mild symptoms," the report continued. "However, infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. Because there is no vaccine or medicine for Zika, travellers should take steps to prevent getting Zika during travel. They should also take steps to prevent spreading it when they return home."

The International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers also confirmed that Fiji is plagued with the same disease.

"There is evidence of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Fiji," the report said. "Take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant travellers should postpone travel to this country."

A week ago, fans suspected that Markle was already expecting her first baby with Prince Harry. The former "Suits" star stepped out in a blue sleeveless dress designed by Taiwanese and Canadian designer Jason Wu.

During the said sighting, many noticed that her breasts and stomach were larger than normal. It turned out that the baby bump in those photos was due to a gust of wind.

Also, it was reported that Markle's mom, Doria Ragland, is already taking granny lessons which only intensifies the pregnancy rumors. Ragland "has been taking specialist coaching from experts at a parenting centre in Los Angeles. One of the few things Ragland learned are the basic nannying skills," a source told James Ingham of Daily Star.

Apparently, Prince Harry and Markle have to wait to start their family for health reasons and for the safety of their baby. Zika virus can cause birth defects.