Pennsylvania IDs Its First Case Of Sexually Transmitted Zika
HARRISBURG, Pa. (KDKA/AP) -- Health officials say they've identified the first person in Pennsylvania to get infected with the Zika virus through sex.
Health Secretary Karen Murphy said Thursday a state resident contracted the disease while traveling in an area where the virus is being transmitted. That person infected his or her partner when they had sex.
In a press release, Murphy said, "A Pennsylvania resident contracted the Zika virus from a mosquito while traveling outside of the state in an area where Zika transmission is occurring. Upon returning to the Commonwealth, the person passed it via sexual transmission to their partner."
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Murphy says people should practice safe sex, particularly when traveling where mosquitoes are spreading the Zika virus.
Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should get a doctor's advice before travel to Zika transmission.
The state hasn't seen a case of mosquito transmission so far, but officials are asking people to take steps to control the insect's populations.
There have been more than 20 cases of sexual transmission of Zika so far across the United States.
Additional information on Zika virus can be found on the Department of Health's website.
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