To date, laboratory-confirmed Zika virus has been reported in 11 states and Washington, DC, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of Feb. 3.
All cases in the United States have been classified as travel-associated. The states affected include: Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia.
The total as of Feb. 3 was 35 imported Zika cases; however, additional cases reported in Florida and Texas put the total over 40.
In addition, the US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands have reported nine locally transmitted cases, eight and one case, respectively.
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.
In response, CDC has issued travel notices for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
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