Zika Virus Hits Home For Locals With Family In South America

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Zika virus has mothers everywhere concerned about their health, especially the ones with family in South America.

Jamie Rogers is due to deliver in early March at Paoli Hospital, while she's perfectly healthy.  But, she's concerned about her family in Panama, where there are growing concerns about the Zika virus and pregnant women there.

"Something like this that you really have no control over is a little scary," Jamie said.

The Zika virus, which is rapidly spreading in central and South America, can cause birth defects. The 32 cases, currently in the United States, are among people who traveled.  The virus is spread by mosquitoes, which are eventually expected in the U.S., and there are questions and concerns about other ways it could be spread.

"If you have this much Zika in South America and the Caribbean, sooner or later we're going to see a local transmission," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the head of the Infectious Diseases Branch of the NIH.

Jamie stays in touch with her mom, who is in Panama, through e-mail. She is making arrangements for her to be back in the U.S. next week.

When asked if she was concerned about being around her mother when she gets back, Jamie said, "I don't have any concerns right now. Everything that I've read so far has been that its contracted specifically through the mosquitoes so as long as my mom doesn't bite me, I think that were ok."

Pregnant women, and those intending on getting pregnant, are being advised to stay away from areas impacted by the Zika virus, including parts of the Caribbean.

"The symptoms are common symptoms; fever, joint pain, pink-eye and a rash. So, not a significant health risk to the adult population, but a health risk to the unborn baby."