Del. health officials confirm two more Zika cases

 Delaware health officials announced Monday, two more confirmed cases of the Zika virus.

According to the Delaware Division of Public Health, the total number of confirmed cases of Zika is up to three. Officials say the two new ones are travel related, as was the first case, and were a result of mosquito bites during travel to countries were Zika is widespread.

Pregnancy is not an issue in any of the three cases. Officials say the risk of the virus spreading from these cases is extremely low.

According to health experts, the symptoms of Zika are usually mild and the majority of people who contract the virus doesn’t develop symptoms. However, the most serious long-term health problems linked to the virus are serious birth defects.

In a news release,  DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay released a statement saying, “We are not surprised that there are additional Zika cases in Delaware given how often people travel and that the virus is now so widespread in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. With the upcoming spring break and a potential for even more travel to the countries where Zika is common, DPH reminds people to avoid being bitten and, if a woman is pregnant or trying to get pregnant, postpone travel if at all possible, and talk to your doctor if you plan to travel. It is also important to consider the risk of sexual transmission of the virus, and to use condoms if it is possible the male sexual partner has been exposed to the virus.”

For more Zika information in Delaware, click here.