Indiana health officials report 1st case of Zika virus

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana's first case of Zika virus was found in a person who recently traveled to Haiti, state health officials said Tuesday.

The state is not releasing the sex of the patient, but said the person was not pregnant.

The illness, which was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was not severe enough to require hospitalization and the patient made a full recovery, the Indiana State Department of Health said.

Gov. Mike Pence told WISH-TV the confirmed case was in Grant County in the central part of the state.

An epidemic of the mosquito-borne illness currently is occurring in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The CDC has advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to areas where Zika virus has been detected because of concerns over birth defects. It also recommends that men who have a pregnant partner and have been to an area of active Zika virus transmission abstain from unprotected sex for the duration of the pregnancy.

Health Commissioner Jerome Adams said the health department is providing guidance to local health officials and providers in anticipation of additional travel-related cases in Indiana.

"The risk of contracting Zika virus here in Indiana remains low, but we know that many residents are concerned," Adams said. "We urge anyone visiting affected areas to take steps to avoid mosquito bites."

Many people infected do not get sick. For those who do, it is usually a mild illness with symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.

___

Online:

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/