Some reports have shown zika being transmitted through blood transfusions, and the FDA has issued guidelines to protect blood supply.
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Both infected people have now fully recovered.
The mosquito-borne virus has been potentially linked in Brazil to thousands of cases of newborns with abnormally small heads.
Zika virus is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries dengue fever and yellow fever.
The Ministry of Health on Thursday said it appeared a man who contracted the virus had passed it on to his female partner who had never travelled to a Zika-affected country.
Two potential modes of transmission were being considered: through unprotected sex, or the woman being bitten by an infected mosquito brought into the country in her partner’s luggage. The California Department of Public Health informed the Napa County Public Health Division on Tuesday of the positive test, county officials said.
The proximity of mosquito vector breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection.
The couple’s property was under surveillance for any exotic mosquitoes, but none had yet been detected.
There is limited scientific evidence to suggest the virus can be sexually transmitted – it’s very rare. Reportedly, China had confirmed its first imported Zika case around ninth of February this year when a Chinese national had returned after visiting South America. Anyone with concerns should seek advice from a health professional.
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