1st case of Zika virus in an NC resident confirmed

The state Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first case of Zika virus infection in a North Carolina resident.

The case involves an adult who recently traveled to a country with ongoing Zika virus transmission, department officials said Friday. The patient’s symptoms have been resolved, officials said.

To protect patient confidentiality, the department said it will release no other details about the person.

“As long as the outbreak continues in Central and South America and the Caribbean, we expect to see more travel-related Zika virus infections in our state,” state Health Director Dr. Randall Williams said in a news release announcing the first case in a North Carolina resident.

“While travel-related cases don’t present a public health threat to North Carolina, we always actively monitor emerging global situations and adjust resources to meet needs,” Williams said.

No cases of the disease are known to have been acquired in North Carolina or elsewhere in the continental United States, except for one infection in Texas attributed to sexual transmission, health officials said.

As of Thursday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported travel-related Zika virus infections in 21 other states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“We have anticipated all along that travel-related cases would be identified in North Carolina,” state epidemiologist Dr. Megan Davies said in Friday’s news release. “We want to take this opportunity to reinforce that travelers to any of the countries with active Zika transmission should follow precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites.”

Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infectious mosquito, although cases of transmission through sexual contact and blood transfusion have also been reported.

Symptoms can include rash, red eyes, fever and joint pain. Only about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms, health officials said.

A pregnant woman infected with Zika virus can pass the virus to her unborn baby. A serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported in some infants born to mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory recommending pregnant women consider postponing travel to any area with active Zika virus transmission. Women who are trying to become pregnant should talk to their doctors about the risk of Zika virus infection before traveling.

While the primary mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not believed to be widespread in North Carolina, people are always encouraged, as a routine precaution, to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

Travelers can protect themselves by wearing insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and using air conditioning or making sure window and door screens are in place.

This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 10:33 AM with the headline "1st case of Zika virus in an NC resident confirmed."