Michigan health officials confirm 1st case of Zika virus in state

Patient is female in Ingham County

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan health officials have identified the first confirmed case of Zika virus in a Michigan resident. 

The patient, a female resident of Ingham County, contracted the virus when traveling in a country where Zika virus is being transmitted. The patient, who was not pregnant, experienced symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease shortly after her return to Michigan.

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes are not found in Michigan, but are widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. 

The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes.  Symptoms are typically mild and last several days to a week.  Many people who are infected will not experience any symptoms.  There have been rare reported cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome following Zika virus infection. 

There have also been rare reports of sexual transmission of Zika virus infection. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus infection.

“This is the time of year when many Michigan residents are traveling to warmer climates.  If you have plans to travel to areas where Zika virus is present, take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.  If you are pregnant, or may become pregnant, consider postponing your trip,” says Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.  “Travelers to areas where Zika virus is present should contact their doctor if they experience symptoms associated with Zika virus during their trip, or within a week of their return home.”

Pregnant women are most at risk for complications from the Zika virus.  Serious birth defects have been reported in children born to women who were infected with Zika virus during pregnancy. Scientists are studying the connection between Zika virus and poor birth outcomes. 

Until more is known, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently advising pregnant women to avoid travel to countries where Zika virus is circulating. 

“For several weeks now, travelers with potential exposure to Zika virus have been returning home to the continental U.S. with a few to be later diagnosed,” said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer. “Fortunately, Zika virus infection is typically mild, and people recover without incident. We have known this was a possibility. Health officials and providers have been vigilant in following CDC guidelines and are taking appropriate precautions to test all travelers with symptoms consistent with Zika virus and all pregnant women who have traveled to areas with Zika transmission.”

Reported Zika Virus Cases in the United States | HealthGrove

 

Zika Transmitting Mosquitos Worldwide | Graphiq