First Confirmed Zika Virus Case In Chester County

The Zika Virus has hit Chester County.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified the Chester County Health Department that a local woman who had recently traveled to the Dominican Republic, where Zika is prevalent, had contracted the virus.

The virus was contracted there, and not in Chester County. There is minimal risk of contracting Zika in Chester County, officials said.

The woman was not pregnant, the health department said.

The patient was not hospitalized and has recovered.

It's the 23rd case of "travel-associated" Zika in Pennsylvania , which is spread chiefly by mosquitoes, health officials said. No victims have ever acquired it locally.

“Here in Chester County, mosquito prevention starts with each and every one of us," said Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Casner. "Protect yourself, your family, and your community from Zika and other viruses by using screens on the exterior of your home, use insect repellent, eliminate standing water inside and outside your home and wear longsleeved shirts and pants."

The Zika Virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito,which is common in warm climates, officials said.

Symptoms are often nonexistent, but when they strike, they can include rash, joint man, conjuctivitis, and and fever, and last several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Casner reiterated the importance of caution when traveling to countries with mosquitoes affected by the virus, especially pregnant women.

The county health department said they were working with the PA Departments of Health and Environmental Protection on a response to the virus.