Department of Health reports first case of Zika in RI

April 19, 2016 3:38 pm

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

Providence, RI- The RI Department of Health today announced the first confirmed case of Zika virus in then state. The individual who tested positive was a male in his 60’s, who had recently traveled to Hati, where there is active mosquito-borne transmission of Zika.

The virus causes symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, headache, muscle pain and pink eye. Symptoms usually appear within three to 14 days after infection.

The Zika virus is also associated with pregnant women, as the virus can cause microcephaly, which causes the baby’s head to be smaller than expected.

“We don’t expect locally acquired cases here because the species of mosquitos that are currently know to transmit Zika are not found in RI.” said Dr. Nicole-Alexander Scott, Director of Health. “However, Rhode Islanders who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to countries where there is active transmission of the virus.”

Since February 1, 2016, the RI Department of Health has been submitting specimens to CDC for testing. The RI State Health Laboratories are currently developing the capacity to test for Zika virus in accordance with CDC protocols.