Kansas Resident Is State’s First Confirmed Zika Case

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed the first case of the Zika Virus in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Health confirmed that the individual had traveled to a country where the virus is actively spreading.

“Kansas is prepared for the Zika virus, and we are working with health care providers across the state to respond to both suspected and confirmed cases,’ said Susan Mosier, MD, MBA, FACS, KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer. ‘I urge everyone who is considering travel to a country with Zika transmission to be aware of the situation and take precautions to protect themselves and prevent mosquito bites.”

There have been many recent reports of the Zika virus around the country.  The best way to avoid getting the virus is to not go to countries where the virus is spreading.  There have not been any cases of the virus being transmitted via mosquito bites in the United States, so there is nothing to worry about here, but many countries in the Caribbean currently have travel restrictions due to the Zika virus.

Health experts have warned Olympic athletes that if they do not want to contract the virus, they should avoid traveling to Brazil.

Source: The Emporia Gazette