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SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake County woman who was infected with Zika virus gave birth to a healthy baby in late March, the Salt Lake County Health Department announced Friday.
Spokeswoman Pam Davenport said the baby tested negative for the Zika virus.
This is the second Zika case in Salt Lake County. In March, a child who had recently traveled to an affected country also tested positive for the virus.
According to Davenport, the Salt Lake County woman had traveled to a region that was affected by the virus while pregnant. Davenport said the woman found out she was infected after getting tested, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
The health department is not releasing further information about the woman or infant due to privacy concerns.
Dr. Dagmar Vitek, the Salt Lake County Health Department medical officer, said in a statement that the outcome "of this particular situation is a good one."
But he said the situation is a strong reminder that women traveling to affected regions should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitos.
The mosquito-borne virus has stoked fears internationally due to the virus' link with severe birth defects in children in Brazil and other South American and Central American countries.
Experts say the virus is unlikely to take hold in Utah due to its cold and dry climate, but it could circulate in the warmer parts of the southern U.S.
As of April 6, 346 travel-associated Zika cases have been reported in the U.S., according to the CDC. None were locally acquired.
The CDC has posted travel notices for Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, the Pacific Islands, South America and the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil.
People traveling to those areas are urged to protect themselves against mosquitos; women who are or may become pregnant are being asked to take extra precautions.
Because of evidence the Zika virus can also be transmitted through semen, the CDC is advising people who may have been exposed to wait at least eight weeks to attempt to conceive.
It is recommended that travelers visit a travel clinic in advance of their trip. Appointments at the Salt Lake County Health Department Travel Clinic can be made by calling 385-468-4111. Email: dchen@deseretnews.com Twitter: DaphneChen_
