First Zika Virus Case Confirmed in Connecticut

The first case of Zika virus was confirmed in Connecticut.

Connecticut Department of Health reported that the first case was detected in the state laboratory. The patient is in her 60's and traveled to a Zika-affected area. She had an onset of illness when she returned in early March. She is recovering and has seen a physician.

“I would urge all residents to avoid travel to affected countries, and if they must, to be vigilant. As we have previously said, a confirmed case was never a question of ‘if’, but ‘when'," said DPH Commissioner Raul Pino.

Pino said the state is preparing for the future cases with the 'utmost diligence.'

Connecticut is now the 34th state to report a case. Thee have been 258 confirmed cases in the 34 states and District of Columbia.

The state has tested 198 samples and received results for 67 of those samples. So far the announced case is the only positive result for Zika.

“We encourage those concerned about symptoms to consult their doctor, particularly if they have traveled to an affected area and particularly if they are pregnant," said Gov. Dannel Malloy "We have been actively taking steps for months to prepare for a positive case, including expedited testing and a coordinated response across agencies."

Zika generally causes a fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes for a couple of days to a week and the need for hospitalization is rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The biggest risk is to pregnant women and their unborn children.

Related:

• Sex and Zika Virus: More Cases Reported in United States
• Zika Virus In The United States: What You Need To Know

The virus can cause Microcephaly in infants, which is a potentially life-threatening birth defect that results in the baby having a smaller head than expected.

Connecticut has been able to test in-state for the virus since late February. Before that it had to send samples to CDC headquarters in Georgia.

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Zika is primarily spread by Aedes mosquitoes, but can be transmitted via sexual contact and in rare cases from a mother to her child.

Health officials were investigating at least 14 reports of Zika being transmitted by sex in the United States. In all 14 cases a male partner traveled to an affected country and showed symptoms two weeks before his female partner.

Mexico, Brazil and Puerto Rico are among the 24 countries for which the CDC has Zika travel alerts issued.