4 Cases of Zika Virus Now Reported on Long Island

The number of Zika virus cases on Long Island is up to four.

Three people in Suffolk County and one in Nassau has tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus that can cause birth defects, according to News 12.

All four of them were returning travelers from countries where the Zika virus outbreak is ongoing, officials said.

State health officials have not released details on the Suffolk cases, but the unnamed Nassau resident traveled to an unidentified country, developed mild symptoms in August and has since completely recovered, the New York Post has reported.

• Sign up for a daily Patch newsletter and breaking news alerts here.

New Yorkers, especially pregnant women, who have traveled to any of the countries where the Zika virus outbreak is ongoing are urged to stay informed and consult their healthcare professionals if they develop symptoms.

Pregnant women contracting the virus is a concern due to the virus’ suspected connection to the condition microcephaly, which can cause babies to be born with small heads and damaged brains.

The World Health Organization declared the Zika virus and its possible connection to microcephaly an international public health emergency last week, which will provide the affected countries with new tools to fight the virus.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites. Four in five people who acquire Zika infection may have no symptoms. Illness from Zika is usually mild and does not require hospitalization.

Some symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain and headaches. For a full list of symptoms from the CDC, go here.

Long Island woman who are pregnant and have traveled to a country where the Zika outbreak is ongoing and their healthcare providers can learn how to access free testing and gain additional information by calling the State Department of Health at 1-888-364-4723.

To date, no cases of local transmission of the Zika virus have occurred in New York State or on Long Island.

Zika is primarily transmitted by certain species of infected Aedes mosquitoes, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Aedes aegypti, the more efficient vector for humans, is not found in the state. However, Aedes albopictus, sometimes called the Asian tiger mosquito, is a possible vector, officials said.

Aedes albopictus has been found in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties as well as in New York City. The state health department will be enhancing mosquito surveillance activities as the weather warms up and will continue these efforts throughout the summer.

More on Patch:

• Man Pulls Out Gun During LIE Road Rage Incident
• National Bagel Eating Champion is Crowned in Huntington
• Drunk Driver Crashes Into Pole, 3 Ejected From Pickup Truck: Police