Department of Health confirms additional Zika Virus case

On Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Health confirmed a non-pregnant woman who traveled abroad contracted the Zika Virus.

State health officials said the woman contracted the virus while visiting the British Virgin Islands.

The new case brings the state’s total number of travel-related cases to 32.

The virus is transmitted through a mosquito bite, unprotected sexual contact, blood transfusions and an infected pregnant woman can pass the virus to her fetus during pregnancy.

There have been no reported cases of the Zika Virus contracted through a mosquito bite in Missouri.

Around 80 percent of people infected by the virus will not report symptoms. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint soreness and redness of the eyes. International researchers have also linked the Zika Virus to the birth defect microcephaly found in newborn infants.

Microcephaly can cause babies to have smaller heads and undeveloped brains.

Currently, there is not a vaccine for the virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women should avoid visiting Zika transmission areas that include Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

Parts of Florida are also listed as transmission zones.

Anyone who visits these areas is suggested to abstain from sex or use protection for at least 8 weeks after returning.