Zika Virus Infects 2 Pregnant Illinois Residents

Springfield, IL - Two pregnant women living in Illinois have tested positive for Zika virus.

Zika virus usually causes mild illness, but there may be a link between pregnant women infected with the virus and birth defects, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The two Illinois women with the virus recently traveled to countries where Zika virus is found, and doctors are watching their health and their pregnancies. Further information about the women has not been released.

Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites, like West Nile and dengue fever.

“There is virtually no risk to Illinois residents, since you cannot contract Zika virus from another person, but only through the bite of an infected mosquito,” said IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah in a statement. “But since this is a time of year when people travel to warmer climates and countries where Zika virus is found, we are urging residents, especially pregnant women, to take preventive measures when traveling in affected countries and check health travel advisories.”

Common symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes, the IDPH reports, and symptoms can continue between several days to weeks. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection or medicine to treat it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pregnant women consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is taking place.

These areas include Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Suriname, Venezuela and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, according to the CDC.

A travel alert has been issued for people going to these places.

Reports from Brazil say mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant had “poor pregnancy outcomes” or babies with microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby’s head is small. The CDC says additional studies are needed to research the virus and its connection to birth defects.

The CDC has provided a list steps to avoid mosquito bites, specifically for travelers.