Indiana’s first confirmed case of the Zika virus identified in Grant County

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Published: Tuesday, 09 February 2016 21:04

INDIANAPOLIS – The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed the first Zika virus infection in a non-pregnant Indiana resident.

“The Indiana State Department of Health has been working very aggressively with heath care providers across the state to make sure that they have resources and information to deal with this virus that has now emerged in Grant County,” said Gov. Mike Pence.

The resident contracted the Zika virus after recently traveling to Haiti. The illness was not severe enough to require hospitalization.

State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, said the health department is preparing state health officials and providers in anticipation of additional travel-related cases in Indiana.

There is currently an epidemic of Zika virus infection occurring in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The virus is spread to people primarily through bites from an infected mosquito.

“The risk of contracting Zika virus here in Indiana remains low, but we know that many residents are concerned,” Adams said in statement. “We urge anyone visiting affected areas to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.”

Most people who are infected with Zika virus won’t develop symptoms, but those who do are most likely to experience mild illness that can include fever, rash, joint pain and pink eye. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus.

“Pregnant women should not travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is occurring,” said Dr. Jennifer Brown, public health veterinarian for the Indiana State Department of Health. “Everyone else must weigh the risks against the benefits of travel and make the choice that feels right for them,”

The CDC has reported isolated cases that have spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Patients who think they might have Zika virus infection are asked to contact their health care providers and to avoid mosquito exposure for the first week of their illnesses.

“We’re going to be working as we have for many days to educate the public about the risk particularly for traveling into the affected areas. We’re closely connected with the CDC we’ll be forwarding their recommendations to our heath care community and most important to the public,” said Pence.

People who choose to travel to Zika-affected areas can go to http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html for precautions to take against mosquito bites.

Article writer Jasmine Otam and Christina Ramey are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.