FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The Fort Wayne – Allen County Department of Health is offering a warning and some advice about a new mosquito-borne virus they’re monitoring.
It’s called the Zika Virus, which can cause severe illness but is rarely fatal. While no cases have been found in the U.S. yet, Health Commissioner Dr. Deborah McMahon tells WOWO news the virus does well in 80-degree weather, which means it’s something to keep an eye out for this summer, especially if you’re pregnant.
“You’re bitten by a mosquito and you develop a fever and some arthritis, like other similar viruses,” she says, “but what makes this different is that if you’re pregnant, it affects your baby’s brain. Obviously that’s more concerning than other symptoms.”
The Zika Virus is found in Central and South America, so McMahon adds that if you have plans on traveling to that area, be sure to speak with your doctor both before and after your trip.
Read more on the virus, and the Health Department’s advice, here.
