BOSTON — Officials are confirming the first case of Zika virus in Massachusetts.
The Boston Public Health Commission said Thursday an unnamed Boston resident contracted the virus while traveling abroad and is expected to make a full recovery.
Anita Barry, head of the commission’s Infectious Disease Bureau, stressed the mosquito that transmits Zika is rarely found in Boston. Public health officials in the United States are advising pregnant women to avoid travel to countries where the Zika virus is active, she said.
The virus’ symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. It’s also been linked to microcephaly, a birth defect.
Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. The virus hasn’t been found in the United States, although Zika has been reported in returning travelers, the Boston commission said.
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