First Case Of Zika Virus Confirmed In Orange County
SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Orange County has confirmed its first case of the Zika virus, officials said Thursday.
According to the Orange Health Care Agency, a Costa Mesa man in his 40's contracted the virus while he was in Central America in late January.
The man said he did not notice symptoms until early last month. He did not become seriously ill and is fine now.
Typical symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Healthcare officials are mainly concerned about the virus affecting pregnant women, which can lead to birth defects such as an abnormally small head and brain.
No one has contracted the virus in the U.S. But the Aedes mosquito, which can transmit it, have been found in Orange County.
So far, there is no vaccine to protect against Zika.
Travelers are advised to wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants and use mosquito repellent.
