Zika Virus Indiana, Zika Found in Indiana

Cropped Photo: CDC

Zika virus confirmed in Indiana, Ohio - The Indiana and Ohio departments of health each confirmed their first cases of Zika virus on Tuesday. According to news releases on both state websites, the two people had recently traveled to Haiti. The Ohio Department of Health said their case was in a 30-year-old Cleveland woman. The Indiana State Department of Health said the person in their state was not pregnant and did not require hospitalization.

In the Indiana news release, State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. said people should be careful when visiting areas where the disease is prevalent.

“The risk of contracting Zika virus here in Indiana remains low, but we know that many residents are concerned,” Dr. Adams said. “We urge anyone visiting affected areas to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.”

In the news release from Ohio, state Medical Director Dr. Mary Diorio said the virus has not spread through mosquito bites in the United States.

“There is no vaccine available for Zika virus so it’s important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito bites,” DiOrio said. “There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmission through mosquito bites anywhere in the continental U.S.”

According to the news releases, the virus has spread through Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America through mosquito bites. There have also been reports of the virus spreading through unprotected sexual contact.