One case of Zika virus confirmed in Sonoma County
SANTA ROSA (KTVU) -- Officials in Sonoma County on Thursday confirmed that one person has tested positive for the Zika virus.
County health officials said the infected person was traveling in Central America when they were bitten by a mosquito. Officials said infected mosquitoes have not been detected in Sonoma County, however.
"We anticipate more cases," deputy Sonoma health officer Dr. Karen Holbrook said in a written statement. "Even though here is currently no risk for local transmission, our residents could be exposed to Zika virus through travel, sexual contact with travelers and from mothers to their unborn babies."
Officials declined to identify the victim, their age or where they live in Sonoma, citing privacy concerns.
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The most common signs and symptoms of Zika virus infection are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. However, rare neurological syndromes have been associated with Zika virus infection and during pregnancy, infection can lead to early pregnancy loss, microcephaly, absent or poorly developed brain structures, defects of the eye and impaired growth in fetuses and infants.
Said Holbrook: "We want our residents to understand the risks and to take steps to protect themselves, their sexual partners and their babies."
In March, officials in Napa County reported their first case of the Zika virus.