JACKSON, MISS– The Mississippi Department of Health has confirmed a third diagnosis of Zika virus in the state.
This time in Okktibeha county. There were two other cases in Madison and Noxubee counties Easter Weekend.
The mosquito spread virus almost never shows symptoms in healthy people but if a mother contracts the illness while pregnant, it could harm the baby.
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.
To protect yourself from Zika, avoid countries that have a high volume of the virus diagnoses and wear DEET or other mosquito repellents.
