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Delaware officials report case of Zika virus

By Tribune news services
Associated Press

An Aedes aegypti mosquito in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Jan. 30, 2016. The Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes people to have common symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. A link to birth defects is being investigated. The virus is most common in South and Central America, but Mexico has reported having mosquito transmissions. Ailing travelers from those areas have been reported in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has encourged pregnant women to consider postponing travel to infected areas. (Jeffrey Arguedas / EPA)

State public health officials say the mosquito-borne Zika virus has turned up in Delaware.

Officials say the first Delaware Zika case in a woman is travel-related, and that pregnancy is not an issue.

Public health officials planned to provide more details in a teleconference on Wednesday.

The Zika virus is spreading rapidly through Latin America. Most people who contract it have either mild or no symptoms, but it is suspected of causing a birth defect that results in babies born with abnormally small heads. Pregnant Americans are urged to avoid travel to affected areas.

DOVER, Del. — Associated Press

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