Jan 29, 2016 2 min read

Six to eight Pennsylvanians were recently tested for the Zika virus, but state health officials made it clear Friday the mosquito-borne illness is not a cause for panic.

“Zika virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact,” said Dr. Loren K. Robinson of the state Department of Health, who said there are no confirmed cases in the state.

Blood tests are pending and were sent to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.

Physicians who took part in the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) teleconference stressed the real concern is for pregnant women who traveled to Zika-affected areas, found in sections of Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

This week, the World Health Organization announced the virus is “explosively” spreading. As of Friday evening, there were at least 31 confirmed cases in the United States.

Zika is spread through mosquito bites. Flu-like symptoms, including fever, rash, pain and red eyes, affect only about 20 percent of those infected. Symptoms usually disappear in about a week.

In rare cases, pregnant women who contract the virus can pass it onto their fetuses, which can cause a birth defect called microcephaly, characterized by a small head and brain.

“If (you’re) pregnant and have not traveled, you have no risk,” said Dr. Michael Fraser of PAMED.

Pregnant woman who have traveled to infected areas were advised to contact their doctors.

The mosquitoes that carry the virus, Aedes albopictus, are not found in Pennsylvania; however another species of mosquito found in the commonwealth has the ability to carry it. Robinson said the state will “double down” on its efforts to track mosquitoes when the weather warms up. The state is following CDC protocol in education efforts.

Dr. Ray Pontzer, an infectious-disease specialist who practices in Pittsburgh, advised pregnant women who have plans to travel to infected areas to delay or cancel their trip. If that’s not possible, “take every precaution to avoid mosquitoes,” he said.

For an up-to-date list of Zika-affected areas, visit www.cdc.gov/zika.