Yuma County confirms first case of Zika virus


Yuma County health officials have confirmed the county’s first Zika virus case.

The patient traveled outside the U.S. to a Zika-affected area before developing symptoms of the illness, Yuma County Public Health Services District said Thursday in a statement posted on the county website.

The finding marks the 14th travel-associated case of Zika virus documented in Arizona.

“As soon as Public health officials were made aware of the suspected case they made contact with the individual to ensure they were aware of prevention measures such as staying indoors, using DEET mosquito repellent, and wearing long sleeves in an effort to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes to prevent further spread of the virus,” the statement said.

Zika virus is a type of flavivirus that is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. A link has been identified between the virus and birth defects among infants of infected mothers. Symptoms include fever, chills, rash, joint or muscle pain, aches, nausea, vomiting and red eyes.

Read full article at: http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2016/08/05/arizona-yuma-county-confirms-first-case-zika-virus/88282920/