Montgomery County confirms first case of Zika Virus

Montgomery County Health officials have confirmed the first case of the Zika virus in the county.

Officials say a 55-year-old woman tested positive for the virus after she traveled outside of the United States. The woman traveled to an area where the Zika virus had been found.

This case marks the 6 th confirmed case of the virus in Pennsylvania, according to the State Department of Health.

Officials have described the virus as a "generally mild" illness that lasts less than a week, and is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, though spreading through blood transfusion and sexual contact have also been reported.

Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes all lasting for several days.

The outbreak which began in May of 2015 has led to reports of impacts on pregnant women and birth defects in newborn babies.