Since its introduction to the public, the Zika virus has traveled from Latin America to our doorstep. The first case in the U.S was documented in Texas, and now three more cases have been confirmed in the District.
The Zika virus originated in Brazil in May 2015. The outbreak that then spread through Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barre pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects. This virus is spread via mosquito bites, and in healthy individuals can present itself as fever, rash, joint pain and/or conjunctivitis.
There are ongoing studies to determine the correlation between the Zika virus and pregnancy, but the CDC has issued a travel notice for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
In D.C., one of the victims contracted the virus in 2015 after traveling to South America. The other two victims contracted the virus this year. One of those victims is a pregnant woman, and all of the victims traveled to South America and Central America.
Stay tuned to all major news outlets for ongoing developments.