First Confirmed Zika Virus Case in Chester County

Zika virus micrograph image via CDC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the first case of Zika virus in Chester County.

The woman had recently traveled to the Dominican Republic, according to the Inquirer, an area where Aedes mosquitos carry the Zika virus. She is not pregnant, was not hospitalized and has recovered.

The Chester County Health Department announced a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in response to the case. All county health care providers have been issued alerts and information regarding Zika virus risk reduction.

 There have been 23 cases of travel-related Zika virus confirmations in Pennsylvania, according to the Chester County Health Department. No known cases have been contracted in the state itself.

The Chester County Health Department urges caution when visiting Zika-affected areas and advises pregnant women against visiting them. The health department encourages insect repellent, window screens and the removal of standing water from inside and outside the home.

Those who contract Zika typically do not show symptoms, but some experience mild symptoms that last several days to a week.

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