The man had traveled to a Central American country where the virus is circulating. The best way to prevent the virus is to prevent mosquito bites. The CDC advises all travelers to Zika areas to use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid mosquito bites.
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The West Virginia Department of Hwalth and Human Resources says, as part of preparations for the state’s first case of Zika virus, BPH has been working with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal partners to monitor Zika virus testing and guidance to ensure health care providers and local health departments have the appropriate information.
Health Secretary Janette Garin said her department was coordinating with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to get more information about the woman and find out where she stayed during her January 2-28 visit to the Philippines.
Health officials say Zika virus is not circulating in West Virginia. And those that do usually develop mild symptoms – fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Infections from Zika or the related dengue virus haven’t been seen high up.
The individual has travel history to a country with local Zika virus transmission, according to a KDHE news release.
Pregnant women can be infected with Zika virus in any trimester and there have been increased cases of microcephaly possibly associated with Zika virus infections.
Health officials are investigating whether the virus is linked to birth defects in the children of women who caught the virus while pregnant.
Contreras said Honduras has diagnosed 185 pregnant women with Zika. Only about one in five people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms.
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It’s believed that Zika can be transmitted through sexual contact or through blood.
