YOU DON’T NEED TO CANCEL YOUR PLANS, BUT THOSE TRAVELING OVER SPRING BRING SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE ZIKA VIRUS.

THE ZIKA VIRUS IS TRANSMITTED THROUGH THE BITE OF AN INFECTED MOSQUITO. SYMPTOMS ARE USUALLY MILD IF THEY SHOW UP AT ALL AND INCLUDE A FEVER, RASH AND JOINT PAIN. THE VIRUS IS DANGEROUS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN, SINCE IT CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS SAYS ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NIRAV SHAH.

SHAH ADDS THOSE NOT IN THAT SITUATION NEED TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT INFECTION.

SO FAR…THERE HAVE BEEN SEVEN CONFIRMED CASES OF THE ZIKA VIRUS IN ILLINOIS. ALL THE PATIENTS HAD TRAVELED TO AREAS WHERE THE VIRUS IS PREVALENT.