PA Zika Cases Rise 45 Percent As First Sexually Transmitted Case Reported

Despite initial predictions that the nation's warmest states would be hit hardest by the Zika virus, Pennsylvania is now among the states with the highest number of Zika virus cases — and the number rose sharply over the past month.

The number of cases in the state jumped 45 percent in the past month, and the state is fifth overall — just ahead of New Jersey — in the number of cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Department of Health last week, meanwhile, announced that Pennsylvania has reported its first sexually transmitted case of Zika virus.

The infected Pennsylvania resident contracted the Zika virus from a mosquito while traveling outside of the state, said Karen Murphy, secretary of the health department.

"A Pennsylvania resident contracted the Zika virus from a mosquito while traveling outside of the state in an area where Zika transmission is occurring," Murphy said in a statement. "Upon returning to the commonwealth, the person passed it via sexual transmission to their partner."

"In light of this, we remind residents to practice safe sex, especially if they have traveled to an area with Zika-infected mosquitoes," she added. "Infections with the Zika virus may be present without symptoms. If you have traveled to an area where Zika virus is present, condoms or other barrier protection methods should be used during sex for eight weeks upon return to prevent sexual transmission. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss with their doctors any travel plans to Zika-affected locations."

As for the reported cases, the CDC number of 95 conflicts with what the Department of Health is saying. The department reported that 108 confirmed cases of Zika have been found in Pennsylvania, with another 24 cases currently pending.

That's a rise of 34 cases since a month ago, when 74 cases were reported. All were travel-related.

CDC officials say their number is slower to catch up to the state's own reported count, but either way you slice it, Pennsylvania is among the top five states with Zika cases in the United States.

Here is the list of the top 6 states in order, according to the CDC:

1. New York 661
2. Florida 571
3. California 210
4. Texas 161
5. Pennsylvania 95
6. New Jersey 91

Patch photo