CDC: Arkansas Resident Tests Positive For Zika Virus

The Arkansas Department of Health says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that an Arkansas resident has tested positive for Zika virus.

The individual got a mild case of Zika after traveling out of the country recently, the CDC stated in a press release.

Zika virus is a relatively new disease for the Western hemisphere. It first appeared in Brazil in May of 2015 and has since spread to 20 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. The virus is spread through mosquito bites.

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes. Symptoms are usually mild and last several days to a week.

Many people who have Zika will not experience symptoms. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.

The CDC’s website lists 22 countries and territories where the virus is being actively transmitted.