Zika virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. This mosquito species is not present in Connecticut and related species are not likely to spread the disease in Connecticut, according to the DPH.
A pregnant woman living in Connecticut has tested positive for the Zika virus, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced Tuesday afternoon.
The patient became ill with a fever and rash while traveling in South America, the department said.
Scientists in Brazil told the BBC two days ago that Zika can cause microcephaly in 1% of children whose mothers were infected by the virus during a pregnancy.
They also believe it may cause some form of brain damage in up to 20% of cases which occur during pregnancy.
According to the Connecticut DPH, “the patient has returned to South America,” between her test and official diagnosis.
“DPH officials contacted the patient’s Connecticut physician today with the positive result and are working to get in touch with the patient or her family to ensure that she seeks medical care while she is out of the country,” a press release said.
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