Brazilian mum-to-be has UK visa extended amid Zika virus fears

Pregnant Deiseane Santiago feared her unborn baby would be at risk from the Zika virus fears if she was deported back to her native Brazil. Credit: SWNS

A Brazilian mum-to-be has been allowed to stay in the UK until after the birth amid fears of Zika virus in her native country.

Pregnant Deiseane Santiago, also known as Daisy, originally had her application to extend her stay rejected by the Home Office, who have since reversed their decision on an "exceptional basis".

Santiago feared that being deported to her native Brazil would put her unborn baby boy at risk of contracting the Zika virus that has been linked to birth defeats.

Santiago, 22, came to Britain last November on a five-month visitor visa to see her 26-year-old fiance Simon Ellis.

The Sao Paulo native, met Leicestershire based Ellis online three-and-a-half years ago.

The couple had planned to travel to Brazil together before Santiago's visa expired but Santiago fell pregnant during her stay in Britain.

The Brazilian, who is seven months pregnant, changed her return flight to November, two months after the baby's due date at the end of September, and applied to have her visa extended until after the birth.

Santiago came over on a five month visitor visa to see her fiance, Simon Ellis from Leicestershire. Credit: SWNS

The couple were initially told that their application had been refused in June, but the Home Office have now reversed the decision.

The parents-to-be were told this week that Santiago can stay until the end of October.

The mum-to-be said: "I feel so relieved. I can relax and look forward to our son being born in a safe environment now."

"It's a massive weight lifted off my shoulders," Ellis said.

"I have been so worried. I can concentrate and look forward to the birth of our baby boy now."

A Home Office spokeswoman confirmed that Miss Santiago had been granted permission to remain in Britain until October 31 on an "exceptional basis".

Twenty-two year old Daisy Santiago said she was 'so relieved' that she was allowed to give birth in the UK. Credit: SWNS

The NHS reports the Zika virus disease is mainly spread by mosquitoes and that for most people it is a very mild infection and isn't harmful. But it can be more serious for pregnant women as "there is evidence it causes birth defects - in particular, abnormally small heads (microcephaly)".

"Zika does not naturally occur in the UK. Zika outbreaks have been reported in the Pacific region, and the virus has now spread to South and Central America and the Caribbean."