NJ Officials Taking Proactive Fight Against Zika Virus

LINDENWOLD, N.J. (CBS) - Officials in Camden County are doing what they can to keep the Zika virus away.

Camden County freeholder Carmen Rodriguez says Zika -- which can be transmitted sexually or through mosquitoes -- is often found in the Caribbean.

So during the summer months, they want people who may be traveling to that area to be aware of its dangers, and make sure they do not bring Zika-infested mosquitoes back to the states in their luggage or clothing.

"There needs to be an increased awareness about potential hazards of the Zika virus entering into our community and the fact that it is a very real possibility that it can be brought into our community," says Rodriguez.

She says right now they are testing mosquitoes all over the county to make sure they do not have the virus. She adds as of now, the county is Zika free, but the virus' symptoms are hard to spot:

"It really is a mild type of flu. So it works its way out of the system within about seven days. You'll have the flu like symptoms and then it will be gone."

Rodriguez says Zika's long lasting effects can be spotted in the babies of women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, because the babies can be born with microcephaly -- a defect that causes them to have small heads and short life expectancy.