Two Pregnant Illinois Women Test Positive For Zika Virus, Possibly Linked To Birth Defects
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Two Illinois women have contracted a virus that's believed to cause birth defects.
Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Nirav Shah said both women recently traveled to Central America, where a simple mosquito bite can transmit the Zika virus.
"Right now, in Illinois there is no known transmission of Zika virus. As a result, the risk of Zika virus transmission to Illinois residents is virtually zero," he said.
Zika-infected mosquitos are not found in the Midwest, but Shah said pregnant women who travel to Puerto Rico, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, and Venezuela are at risk.
Both women undergoing treatment for Zika virus were bitten in Central America. Doctors have been monitoring their health and pregnancies.
"There is a link between Zika virus infection and subsequent birth defects in women, although more research is needed to really shore up that link," Shah said.
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Shah said the symptoms of the Zika virus are mild for those who aren't pregnant – a mild fever or rash.
"One in every five people who gets infected with the virus ends up developing or showing symptoms of it. Those symptoms are generally mild, but it's of course not something that we would want or wish upon anyone. Our concern is particularly heightened, however, for pregnant women," he said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Out of an abundance of caution, Shah urged pregnant women traveling to the Caribbean, Central America, or South America to cover up, wear insect repellent, and stay in air conditioned locations.
Until more is known about a possible link between Zika virus and birth defects in babies of women who were infected while pregnant, the CDC recommended pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Women who are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, and who must travel to those areas should consult their doctor, and take strict measures to avoid mosquito bites on their trip.
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no medicine to treat an infection.
