No Zika cases have been confirmed in Jefferson County.
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So far, the majority of Zika cases in the continental United States have been in people who traveled to areas where Zika is prevalent, and none have been caused by mosquito bites.
While the symptoms of Zika are very mild, the virus has been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly, which is an abnormally small head and brain. Mosquitoes can become infected when they bite infected persons and can then spread the Zika virus to other persons they subsequently bite.
Editor’s Note: Officials from the Department of Public Health originally said the woman had gone to South America.
DHEC asserts that mosquitoes in SC, at this time, do not carry the Zika virus. Of those, 36 occurred in pregnant women and eight were sexually transmitted.
Bonds says the risk of contracting the Zika virus through a mosquito bite is very low overall.
The DPH said they are working with the woman’s physician to ensure that both the woman and her doctor have the necessary information and guidance they need. Travelers should see their healthcare provider if they develop the symptoms for Zika (listed on CDC website) and have recently visited an area where Zika is found. The patient reported Thursday was the first confirmed King County Zika case of those tests.
Public health officials identified the first case of Zika virus in a King County resident Wednesday. However, when symptoms are present, the most common ones are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. There have also been 599 cases in U.S. territories Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Steele said that the unidentified woman was from the St Andrew area.
“We’re blessed that the only thing that’s happened is travel-related Zika”, said Scott.
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Be proactive – Use the “Flag as Inappropriate” link at the upper right corner of each comment to let us know of abusive posts. “Normally, we don’t recommend insecticides quickly in pest situations, but in this instance, we’re recommending that you seek out a professional to treat your yard for mosquitoes, especially if you have pregnant people at the house”, he said.
