According to the Monterey County Health Department, the infected individual traveled to Central America in June and July before becoming ill upon returning to the U.S. The individual received medical care from a primary care provider, which requested Zika testing from the Monterey County Health Department. A lab test confirmed the Zika virus infection.
The Monterey County Health Department says the individual is recovering from the infection, adding that no information will be released about the individual for reasons of privacy.
According to the Monterey County Health Department, 114 travel-associated Zika virus infections have been reported as of July 29 among California residents, including 21 pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced July 29 that four cases of Zika virus infection in the Miami area were likely locally acquired, marking the first reports of the infection being acquired in the U.S. from mosquito bites. The Zika virus continues to be transmitted in parts of Mexico, Central America, South America and some Pacific islands.
Aedes aegypti and albopictus mosquitoes transmit the Zika virus to people, according to the Monterey County Health Department. It can also be passed through sexual contact and blood transfusions and passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and at delivery. While most people infected with the virus don't have any symptoms, fever, rash, joint pain, headache and redness of the eyes are among the most common. Symptoms usually begin three to seven days after exposure and last several days to a week. Treatment is limited to supportive care including rest and use of medications to reduce fever and joint pain. Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to microcephaly, fetal demise, and visual and hearing impairments in impacted areas globally.
"I strongly encourage pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant to avoid travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is occurring," said Dr. Edward Moreno, Monterey County's health officer and director of public health, in a statement. "I also encourage expecting couples who have had potential Zika virus exposure to consult with their obstetricians. In addition, all individuals traveling to areas where Zika virus transmission is occurring should take steps to avoid mosquito bites."
Use of insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of eucalyptus or para-menthanie-diol can prevent mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and using mosquito bed nets can also prevent mosquito bites.
Contact the Monterey County Health Department's Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521 or visit its website at www.mtyhd.org for information about Zika virus. For information about mosquito control, contact the North Salinas Valley Mosquito Abatement District at 831-422-6438. Additional information about Zika virus is also available on the CDC's website at www.cdc.gov/zika.