Health officials on the Pacific archipelago of Palau are reporting what is their first locally transmitted case of Zika virus, according to a Radio New Zealand report.
The case, which was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reportedly had no travel history to a Zika affected country.
The Palau government has taken actions to prevent the spread of the mosquito borne viral disease to include eliminating mosquito breeding sites.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted via mosquito bites. The Aedes aegypti is responsible for spreading Zika virus and also Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. In Brazil and other countries, pregnant women who got infected at anytime during their pregnancy have increased risk of giving birth to babies with congenital defects affecting the brain (microcephaly). Sexual transmission was also reported as another means of getting the Zika virus.
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