Health officials say there now is a confirmed case of Zika virus in Broome County.

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Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]

The county health department Wednesday announced that a single case has been diagnosed.

The virus has been linked to serious birth defects in babies of mothers who were infected while pregnant.

According to health experts, the Zika virus is spread primarily by a species of mosquito that bites an infected person and then bites someone who is not infected.

Transmission also can occur through unprotected sex with a man who is infected with the virus.

The health department said the mosquito that transmits Zika is not present in Broome County.

Many infected people don't have symptoms. Those who do have symptoms could have a mild illness that may last for up to a week.

Common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.

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