Delaware’s first Zika virus case reported

NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE (2/9/2016) The first Zika virus case has been reported in Delaware, state health officials said today.

The Division of Public Health announced the case in a woman that was travel-related and said more information would be released Wednesday afternoon. Pregnancy is not an issue in the case.

Zika is mosquito-borne and is a generally mild illness widespread in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Anyone who lives or travels in those areas can be infected.

Most people who are infected with Zika do not develop symptoms, but the most serious threat linked to Zika is birth defects in infants whose mother contracted the disease.

The Division of Public Health said it is focusing its messaging and awareness on preventing exposure for pregnant women and their partners.