First Case Of Zika Virus Identified In Philadelphia Resident
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The first case of a patient with the Zika virus has been confirmed in Philadelphia.
A Philadelphia woman over 60 years old had just come back from the Caribbean, when she noticed symptoms of the Zika virus, says deputy city health commissioner, Dr. Caroline Johnson.
"When she returned from travel, basically, right as she was arriving back in the city she developed her first symptoms which consisted of fever, aches and a rash," said Dr. Johnson.
READ: CDC Investigates 14 Possible Sexually Transmitted Cases Of Zika In US
The woman went to her doctor and was treated. She did not require hospitalization, and is recovering. The CDC says more than 100 people in the United States have come down with travel-related cases of Zika. Johnson says there is little to no risk that anyone staying in Philadelphia can contract the virus, because it is spread by a species of mosquito not found here.
But she says pregnant women should avoid travel to affected areas -- and people who do go should use repellent and take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
READ: Lehigh University Student Tests Positive For Zika Virus
#zika virus confirmed by Philly Health Dept. woman over 60 recently returned from travel to the Caribbean & is recovering @CBSPhilly
— Stephanie Stahl (@StahlCBS3) February 29, 2016
Philadelphia residents with questions about Zika virus should call the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Division of Disease Control at 215-685-6740.
