First case of Montana Zika virus reported in a Missoula woman

MISSOULA — The first case of Zika virus infection in Montana in has turned up in a Missoula County woman who recently who returned from a Zika-affected area.

Zika is a disease caused by a virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito not found in Montana.

Montana is one of 25 states now reporting a travel-associated case of Zika.

Travelers returning from Zika-affected areas who have symptoms or are pregnant should consult with their health care provider.

“This case serves as a reminder that anyone traveling to Zika-affected parts of the world should be mindful of the health issues present in that region,” said Jim Murphy of the Department of Public Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Bureau.

The Centers for Disease Control, reports that the most common symptoms of Zika infection are fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes. Symptoms are usually mild and last several days to a week.

Health officials say that about 1-in-5 people infected with Zika virus will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.

Zika virus has recently been linked with serious health problems in pregnant women, primarily a birth defect known as microcephaly in children born to women who had a Zika infection.

To minimize risks of complications, public health officials recommend that pregnant women or women wanting to get pregnant, follow CDC guidance to prevent Zika infections.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus disease and no specific medical treatment for people who are infected. The CDC recommends pregnant women should consider postponing travel to affected areas.

If travel cannot be postponed, use of insect repellant and /or clothes treated with permethrin, and staying in places with air conditioning and window and door screens while in affected areas to prevent mosquito bites is strongly recommended.