Stanislaus County man tests positive for Zika virus

Health officials announced Monday afternoon that a 19-year-old Stanislaus County man has contracted the Zika virus while traveling outside the U.S.

The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency confirmed that the young man tested positive for Zika virus. Officials did not say where the man lives or where he traveled or give any information on his condition.

The illness caused by Zika lasts for several days, with symptoms including a fever, rash, joint pain, headache and conjunctivitis, or red eyes. Many of those infected don’t notice it. Pregnant women with symptoms are urged to see their doctor because of the risk of birth defects.

As of June 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said all Zika cases reported in the U.S. were acquired as a result of travel outside the country.

The Zika virus is now on the radar of local health officials after the carrier mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti, were found in Madera and near Fresno in 2013.

While the mosquitoes that carry the virus have not been detected in Stanislaus County, health officials said all residents should take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

The East Side Mosquito Abatement District, which serves residents in Modesto and north of the Tuolumne River, is actively trapping for the invasive species of mosquitoes that carry the Zika, Dengue or Chikungunya viruses.

Authorities say being careful about travel is the most effective way to protect oneself from Zika infection. The CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or may become pregnant consider postponing travel to any area with active Zika virus transmission.

Current modes of transmission for Zika virus include bites from infected mosquitoes, sexual contact with an infected partner, and mother to child transmission.

This is the peak time of year for mosquitoes in the Northern San Joaquin Valley. County officials asked all residents to take precautions to control mosquitoes, such as removing standing water from around their homes. They also said daytime-biting mosquitoes should be reported to local abatement districts.

For the East Side Mosquito Abatement District, call 209-522-4098. Residents elsewhere in the county can call the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District at 209-634-1234 or visit turlockmosquito.org.

This story was originally published June 20, 2016 at 4:36 PM with the headline "Stanislaus County man tests positive for Zika virus."