San Mateo County confirms case of Zika virus

San Mateo County confirmed their first case of Zika virus Friday.

The confirmation came from California Department of Public Health that a resident of the county was infected while travelling abroad, but has now fully recovered.

The transmission was said not to have taken place in the United States and the county health system said there was no risk of the virus spreading, nor “reason for the general public to be concerned”.

“Zika virus is not circulating in our County and the few cases in California to date resulted from contracting the virus while traveling abroad. Taking precautions when traveling, based on CDC guidelines, is the best means of protection from Zika,” said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer.

San Mateo County would not release further details to protect the patient’s privacy. 

The health system reminds that Zika is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes that bite humans with an active Zika infection and then bite another person. However there is no record in the U.S of such a transmission occurring.

For more Zika information visit www.smchealth.org/zika.