Solano County Reports First Zika Virus Case

SOLANO COUNTY - Solano County Department of Health and Social Services officials are reporting the first case of the Zika virus in a Solano County resident.

According to officials, the patient has recently traveled to Central America where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission.

"We want the public to know that at this time the Zika virus poses no risk to Solano County residents," said Dr. Michael Stacey, MD, MPH, Deputy Health Officer for Solano County in a statement. “The virus, which is primarily transmitted by two species of invasive mosquitoes ... are not native to the Bay Area and have no established population here.”

U.S. health officials are have warned Americans, particularly pregnant women, to consider delaying travel plans to countries - mostly in Latin America and Caribbean, including Puerto Rico - where transmission of the virus is occurring.

The Zika virus produces generally mild symptoms such as fever or joint pain, red eyes, and sometimes a rash.

The concern is for pregnant women: the virus appears to be linked to microcephaly, a birth defect which causes children to be born with smaller heads, according to San Francisco health officials.

“The most effective ways to prevent Zika virus infection among Solano County residents is to avoid traveling to places where there is active Zika virus transmission,” said Dr. Stacey. “Residents should also be safe about having sex with people who have traveled to impacted areas. Additionally, if you must travel, use precautions to avoid mosquito bites. This is especially important for women who are already pregnant or are intending to be pregnant.”

The Centers for Disease Control says as of May 25, some 591 cases of the Zika virus have been reported in the United States, all "travel-associated" cases.

44 cases of Zika have been confirmed in California.

Officials in Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa counties reported their first Zika cases in early March.

Zika viris was found in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties in early April.

A Sonoma County resident contracted Sonoma County's first case of Zika virus while traveling in Central America. That case was reported in late April.

Also on Patch:

• 3 Cases Of Zika Virus Confirmed In East Bay
• Napa County Reports First Case of Zika Virus
• San Mateo County Resident Tested Positive For Zika Virus
• First Case Of Zika Virus Reported In Sonoma County

Detailed information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the Zika virus can be found here.

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