Utah Department of Health officials received confirmation today that a Utah child between the ages of two and 10 has tested positive for the Zika virus.
The child showed a rash and other symptoms typical of the Zika virus but has not experienced any complications. Generally a very mild illness, Zika doesn’t usually extend past a fever, rash, join pain, and red eyes. Most infected people never require testing as 80 percent of those infected never show symptoms, and 20 percent only show mild symptoms.
“It isn’t surprising that Utah has an imported case of Zika virus since so many of our residents travel to and from areas where the disease is currently being transmitted,” said Dr. Allyn Nakashima, state epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health. She adds, “Zika virus, with the possible link to the birth defect microcephaly, is understandably frightening.”
The infected child had recently returned from a Zika effected area. For a list
of areas affected by the Zika virus, go to cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html.
Due to the complications the Zika virus can pose to pregnant women, the Utah Health Department encourages pregnant women to avoid travel to Zika effected areas for the time being.
The Zika virus is spread by the Aedas species of mosquito, a species not found in Utah.
For more information on the Zika virus go to cdc.gov/zika and read our previous article.
