Albany County Resident Tests Positive For Zika Virus After Travelling

Most cases of the virus in the US have been acquired while traveling, and many of those affected live in New York state. Find out what you need to know about the virus.

According to the Times Union, there are currently 189 New York state residents who have the virus, including an Albany Country resident who acquired the virus while traveling.

I am sure you have been seeing a lot about Zika in the news, so here is what you need to know about the virus from the the New York State Department of Health website:

'The Zika virus is spread mostly by mosquitoes. For most people it is a mild infection with few or no symptoms. But it has been linked to health problems in some people, and it is a serious concern for pregnant women and their partners because it can cause serious birth defects. Zika virus can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact or blood. Zika is not spread from person to person by casual contact.'

The website also says that no mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in the US. Everyone here who has it acquired the virus while traveling abroad or through sexual transmission. There have been outbreaks in Central & South America and Puerto Rico, so travelers should use caution, especially if pregnant or planing to have children in the near future.