State health officials urging travelers to be aware of Zika

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PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — State health officials are urging South Dakota women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy to avoid traveling to areas affected by the Zika virus.

State epidemiologist Dr. Lon Kightlinger says people traveling to the tropics or sub-tropics should take precautions such as wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts and using an EPA-registered insect repellent.

The Zika virus causes only a mild illness, at worst, in most people. But infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects for the fetus. It is usually spread by mosquitoes, although sexual transmission also is possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advises women to use protection if their sex partner has traveled to a Zika-infected region.

Zika is not known to be carried by the mosquitoes found in South Dakota.