State and community leaders gathered in Hartford today with medical experts to raise awareness about the Zika virus. 

The mosquito-borne disease has affected thousands of people in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Health officials have also confirmed some cases in New York and Massachusetts, though none have been reported in Connecticut.

Health experts say the chance for an epidemic in the state is low.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal called on Congress to invest money to find a vaccine for the disease. 

Anyone traveling to Zika-affected areas is advised to take measures to avoid mosquito contact. Those measures include wearing long pants and sleeves as well as mosquito repellent.