An Arkansas resident has tested positive for Zika virus, the mosquito-borne disease that has ravaged much of Central and South America and the Caribbean, the state’s department of health announced Tuesday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the diagnosis, saying the resident had a mild case of the new disease originating in Brazil. The affected individual had recently traveled out of the country, according to the release.
The disease, which first appeared in May, has been expected to spread across the border into the U.S. in the coming months. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the disease, which health officials say is only spread through mosquito bites.
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes. These symptoms are usually mild and last several days to a week.
Pregnant women are most at risk for complications from the virus. Serious birth defects have been reported in children born to women who were afflicted.
The spread of the disease has prompted the government of El Salvador to urge women not to have anymore children until 2018 until the virus is under control.
The CDC has issued travel guidance for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant and is planning studies to learn more about the connection between Zika and children born with these birth defects, according to the release.
• Kellan Howell can be reached at khowell@washingtontimes.com.
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