June 21, 2016
The first case of Zika virus in Chester County has been confirmed, county officials announced Tuesday.
The county's health department was notified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A Chester County woman, who was not pregnant, recently traveled to an area affected by mosquitos carrying the virus. She was not hospitalized, but has recovered.
There have now been 23 confirmed cases of the virus in Pennsylvania. All cases were acquired through travel to affected areas.
Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Casner warned, “For anyone traveling to countries affected by the Zika Virus, we urge caution and note that pregnant women in particular should avoid travel to affected countries.”
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people do not have symptoms when infected with the virus. Symptoms include a rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis and fever.
