Officials confirm 2 Zika Cases in Pa., 1 in Del.
DELAWARE (WTXF) The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced the first confirmed Zika cases in two female Pa. residents who recently traveled to countries affected by the virus. The Division of Public Health also announced the first Delaware Zika case in an adult female Tuesday.
According to the DHP, it is travel-related and pregnancy is not an issue.
"While we are concerned about the health of these individuals and any Pennsylvanian who may be exposed to Zika virus, we want to emphasize that these cases pose no threat to the public," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "We will continue to provide updated Zika guidance to health care professionals across the commonwealth to ensure they are aware of the symptoms associated with the disease and the protocols that should be followed to ensure testing of potentially infected individuals, if needed," the Pennsylvania Department of Health said in a press lease.
Zika is a generally mild illness currently widespread in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Anyone who lives or travels in the impacted areas can be infected. Zika is mosquito-borne and most people who are infected with Zika do not develop symptoms. The most serious threat linked to Zika is birth defects in infants whose mother contracted the disease.