Virus Not Seen Since 2020 Back In NJ

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey has reported its first confirmed case of the Zika virus since 2020, according to the New Jersey Department of Health(NJDOH).

The NJDOH first learned about the confirmed mosquito-borne case in a Middlesex County resident on July 15.

It is unclear which town in Middlesex County the disease was reported in.

The resident contracted the case outside of New Jersey while traveling, according to the NJDOH.

"This is a travel-associated case, meaning it was acquired outside of New Jersey.

"The risk to New Jersey residents is extremely low,"said NJDOH Communications Manager J. Zachary Barby.

Case data is available on the state's Vector-Borne Disease Data Dashboard at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vector_borne_disease_data_dashboard.shtml.

The Zika virus spreads to people mostly through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The virus can also spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

Most people infected will not have any symptoms or only have mild symptoms.

The most common symptoms are fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes, according to the CDC.

There are no vaccines or medicines available to prevent or treat Zika virus disease.

To prevent Zika virus disease, protect yourself from mosquito bites and use condoms.