Ohio, Indiana report first Zika virus cases


The Ohio Department of Health has confirmed the first case of Zika virus in the state.

>> Read more trending stories

The virus was found in a 30-year-old woman returning to the Cleveland area from Haiti, according to a media release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 35 cases of Zika virus in 12 states and the District of Columbia prior to Ohio’s case.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite, and there’s no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

But the CDC previously confirmed a U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler after the person's sexual partner returned from an affected country and developed symptoms.

“There is no vaccine available for Zika virus so it’s important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito bites,” said Dr. Mary DiOrio, medical director of the Ohio Department of Health. “There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmission through mosquito bites anywhere in the continental U.S.”