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First Case Of Zika Virus In Ohio Is Confirmed

 Mosquito
USDA website
Mosquito

Ohio has its first confirmed case of someone infected with the Zika virus. Melanie Amato with the Ohio Department of Health says a 30 year old woman from Cleveland who was returning from Haiti is the first in the state to be diagnosed with the Zika virus.

“She got it from being in a country that has the Zika virus. We found out from her primary care physician.”

Amato says the mosquitoes that transmit the Zika virus are not found in the U.S. and that the infection cannot spread through casual contact. Due to a possible link between the virus in pregnant woman and certain birth defects, the Centers for Disease Control recommends women of childbearing age who have conceived or want to should consider postponing trips to areas where the Zika virus is being transmitted.

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau. To see more, visit .

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.