New Jersey reports first case of Zika virus since 2020
The case was discovered in Middlesex County.
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A person in Middlesex County has tested positive for the mosquito-borne Zika virus, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
Health officials have not yet said which town the patient who tested positive was in, or where they acquired the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, all the Zika cases identified in the United States so far this year have been associated with travel.
The last cases of Zika virus in New Jersey were reported in 2020, according to the Department of Health. During that year, three Zika cases were reported in New Jersey, including two in Essex County and one in Middlesex County. That represents a drop from 2019, when a total of 12 cases were reported in the Garden State.
Zika is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The World Health Organization says this type of mosquito primarily bites during the day. Most people infected with Zika do not develop symptoms, but when they do, they can include fever, rash, muscle pain, conjunctivitis and headaches. The symptoms can last for two to seven days.
The WHO says Zika can be especially dangerous during pregnancy and could result in microcephaly, miscarriage, preterm birth and possible congenital issues.
Currently, no vaccine is available for the prevention or treatment of the Zika virus.
Dr. Alex Lazo, an infectious disease specialist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, tells News 12 the risk of mosquito-to-human transmission in New Jersey is low, but is much higher in warm, tropical climates.
"The Bahamas, the Caribbean islands, certain parts of the tropical areas in South and Central America," said Dr. Lazo. "Homebrew cases of Zika have not occurred here in New Jersey."
Dr. Lazo says the most at-risk groups are expectant mothers and women trying to get pregnant. Men can carry the virus up to three months and transmit it through seminal fluid.
People at Waterfront Park in South Amboy say they weren't aware of the case in Middlesex County but will stay aware and alert.
"At least you have to be aware, you know? At least others know. That's the best thing you can do," said Stephanie Franyutti, of South Amboy.
"Look into it, read about it first, and just be cautious about it, especially with a baby," said Louis Gual.
Dr. Lazo says if you are traveling to a tropical destination, make sure you check for any travel advisories and look for infectious disease alerts. If there are signs of mosquito-borne illnesses there, take extra precautions.
