The first case of the Zika Virus in Nevada County has been confirmed by the Health Department. The Department never provides personal details, including the identity. County Health Officer, Doctor Ken Cutler, says the resident contracted it in Latin America. And since it was acquired abroad and it can’t be spread like a cold or flu, there is no risk to the community. But if you have travel plans to that part of the world, you should take precautions…

click to listen to Doctor Cutler

Cutler says the Zika virus is primarily spread by mosquitos, but that’s not a concern here…

click to listen to Doctor Cutler

But Cutler says there have also been a few cases of sexual transmission in Latin America. He says most people with Zika don’t even get sick and there is no medicine or vaccine for it. He says the greatest concern is the potential for birth defects, so it’s recommended that pregnant women not travel to any country with an oubreak. To date, the virus has been reported in over 30 Latin American countries, with Brazil having the most cases. As of October 21st, 348 cases had been confirmed in California last year and this year.