Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has confirmed a case of Zika virus infection in a pregnant woman who traveled to an area of ongoing Zika transmission. This is the second confirmed case of Zika virus in Los Angeles County. Both cases were infected during travel to an area with ongoing local transmission. In Los Angeles County, no local transmission of Zika virus infection has occurred. Out of respect for privacy, Public Health is unable to provide any information on the details of individual cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel alert informing people traveling to countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing to take strict precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. All travelers should take precautions to prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites including using an EPA-approved insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outside, and staying in a room with air conditioning or screens.
The CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds. It is also recommended that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika affected areas. Pregnant women who do travel should talk with their health care provider first and ensure that precautions against mosquito bites are taken. EPA-approved insect repellents are safe for use by pregnant women, when used according to the product label.
While local transmission has not occurred in Los Angeles County, the Aedes mosquito that can transmit Zika is present in the San Gabriel Valley and in the Eastern part of the County. This species of mosquito can also transmit dengue fever and chikungunya infection. People can reduce the spread of Aedes mosquitoes by eliminating sites around their homes where mosquitoes may breed by getting rid of containers and any other sites where water may collect and mosquitoes lay their eggs.
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