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Michigan Confirms First Zika Virus Case In Ingham County Woman

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - State health officials have confirmed the first case of the Zika virus in Michigan.

The state said Wednesday that an Ingham County woman contracted the virus while traveling in a country where it is transmitted and experienced symptoms consistent with the disease after returning to Michigan. Which country was not specified and no further details about the woman have been disclosed.

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes, and has been spreading through countries such as Brazil.

"This is the time of year when many Michigan residents are traveling to warmer climates.  If you have plans to travel to areas where Zika virus is present, take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.  If you are pregnant, or may become pregnant, consider postponing your trip," says Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in a media  elease. "Travelers to areas where Zika virus is present should contact their doctor if they experience symptoms associated with Zika virus during their trip, or within a week of their return home."

It is feared to cause severe birth defects in unborn children. The state says the Ingham County woman was not pregnant.

Fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes are common symptoms. They typically are mild and last several days to a week. Many infected with the virus will not experience any symptoms.

"For several weeks now, travelers with potential exposure to Zika virus have been returning home to the continental U.S. with a few to be later diagnosed," said Linda S. Vail, Ingham County Health Officer. "Fortunately, Zika virus infection is typically mild, and people recover without incident. We have known this was a possibility. Health officials and providers have been vigilant in following CDC guidelines and are taking appropriate precautions to test all travelers with symptoms consistent with Zika virus and all pregnant women who have traveled to areas with Zika transmission."

For more information about Zika virus from the CDC, visit this link.

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