The Oneida County Health Department is reporting the first confirmed case of the Zika virus in the county.

They say the person acquired the disease while traveling to South America.  Health Department officials say there is no threat to public health in the county.

They say it's important to keep in mind the infection occurred not locally, but in a country where the Zika virus is prevalent.

The Health Department says there are important precautions that both men and women traveling to these areas need to be aware of before traveling:

1. Areas with Zika: Consult the CDC website for a current listing of areas reporting active Zika virus transmission.

2. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should consider postponing trips to those areas at this time due to the risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects.

3. Mosquito bite prevention: Know how and what to safely use to prevent mosquito bites.

4. Sexual transmission: Know how Zika virus can be spread during sex by a male partner infected with Zika virus and how to prevent it

For more information on the Zika virus, visit the Oneida County Health Department website.

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