Oklahoma Missionary In Haiti Contracts Zika Virus

<p>A source with OU Medical Center tells us an Oklahoman serving as a missionary in Haiti has contracted the Zika virus.  We expect to learn more at a news conference at 2:30 p.m.</p>

Monday, February 8th 2016, 7:28 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma Missionary In Haiti Contracts Zika Virus

An Oklahoman who contracted the Zika virus is expected to share their experience later Monday. A source with OU Medical Center tells us this Oklahoman is serving as a missionary in Haiti and has contracted the Zika virus.

We expect this person to share their experience by video at a press conference Monday afternoon at OU Children's Hospital. They are being treated in Haiti for the virus.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Robert Weliver will answer questions from reporters about the Zika virus.

Zika virus has been in the news for several weeks now. It is a mosquito-borne and sexually-transmitted virus which causes severe birth defects including abnormally small heads and mental retardation.

The CDC issued a warning, particularly for expectant mothers, to avoid travel to areas with an active outbreak of the virus - mainly Latin America and the Caribbean.

We've learned there are 51 cases of Zika virus in the United States.

The news conference is expected to begin at 2:30 p.m.