7 New Zika Virus Cases in Virginia; 50 Total Now Reported

Virginia saw seven new cases of the Zika virus reported this week, according to new statistics released Thursday by the Virginia Department of Health.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. While the illness typically resolves within a week, some severe cases may require hospitalization. The CDC has confirmed that the Zika virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.

Those ill with Zika are at risk of transmitting it to a passing mosquito for about a week after their initial infection, according to the CDC.

Those new cases in the Commonwealth this week bring the total number reported in Virginia to 50 total. All of the cases are travel-related or transmitted sexually by someone who has traveled to a location where mosquitoes carry the Zika virus. People who have contracted the virus are bitten by a mosquito in countries primarily in Central America and South America. Find more information here about traveling warnings and locations where the Zika virus is found, from the CDC.

Most of the cases reported in the Commonwealth are located in Northern Virginia. Here's the breakdown of where the cases have been reported in the Commonwealth:

• Northern Region (which includes Northern Virginia): 27
• Central Region: 9
• Northwest Region: 7
• Southwest Region: 5
• Eastern Region: 2

Additional reporting by Sherri Lonon (Patch staff)