JACKSON, Miss.- The Zika virus has not spread to Mississippi, however the State Department of Health is warning pregnant women if they travel near it they could be put at great risk.
The virus has long been seen in Africa, Southeast Asia, and some of the Pacific islands. Recently about 30 other countries, including the U.S. have reported cases of Zika.
MDSH suggests that pregnant women avoid traveling to these areas. If they are infected with the virus it could cause harmful birth defects to their baby. The Zika virus is mosquito-borne.
Currently there are no treatments or vaccines for Zika. It can cause illness including fever, joint pain, and rashes that last for weeks. Even if you are infected you may not show any symptoms at all.
