Zika virus confirmed in Arkansas, Virginia

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – One case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in Arkansas and another in Virginia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, in both cases, the individuals recently traveled out of the country. At this point, the CDC has recognized "about a dozen [cases] from a handful of states," CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said Wednesday.

Zika virus is a relatively new disease for the Western Hemisphere. It first appeared in Brazil in May of 2015. It has since spread to 20 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito. The virus doesn't spread from person to person, like the flu. But mosquitoes who bite an infected person can spread it to their next victims.

While no locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the continental United States, there have been cases reported in returning travelers, including the case in Arkansas.

“This particular individual is already over the symptoms and is way past the time that it would be infectious,” said Dr. Susan Weinstein, veterinarian with the Arkansas Department of Health.

Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine said Tuesday, that the person who tested positive in Virginia poses no risk to other residents because it is not mosquito season in Virginia.

While anyone can contract the virus, doctors warn that pregnant women are most vulnerable to the effects.

“We've had a lot of pregnant patients that are concerned about this,” said Dr. Curtis Lowery, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist and Chairman of the OBGYN Department at UAMS.

Dr. Lowery said while the pregnant woman may show mild symptoms, the unborn child is most at risk.

“The congenital defect that has been associated with this is called Microcephaly which means small head, so the virus probably infects the cells of the developing brain of the fetus and damages it,” said Lowery.

Five things to know about the Zika virus

With no treatment available and no known cure, health experts said there are still many questions about the effects.

“People don't need to be worried, but they need to be aware,” said Weinstein.

Symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, however nearly 80% don't show any symptoms. Even diagnosing Zika is difficult, because its symptoms can mimic those of other mosquito-borne diseases, and there are no approved tests.

The only way to prevent infection is to take the usual steps to avoid mosquito bites, such as staying indoors when visiting an area where the virus is present, as well as wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and using mosquito repellent.

The CDC is encouraging those who are pregnant not to travel to the affected counties.

With outbreaks reported in at least 20 countries including Central and South America and the Caribbean, experts believe it’s only a matter of time before the virus spreads across the United States.