A North Dakota woman who traveled to Jamaica has tested positive for Zika virus.
Michelle Feist is an epidemiologist with the Division of Disease Control at the North Dakota Department of Health.
"Fortunately, she's not pregnant, but did travel to an area where there is ongoing Zika transmission, in Jamaica, and did have symptoms. She fortunately, like I said was not pregnant, and was not hospitalized for her illness, either."
Zika is transmitted by mosquito bites. Feist says anyone traveling to areas where transmission has been reported should take extra caution to prevent mosquito bites. She says pregnant women especially should avoid contracting Zika, because the virus can cause serious birth defects. Feist also says men who contract the virus can transmit it sexually. Zika symptoms can include fever, rash, red eyes, joint pain, muscle soreness and stiffness, or headache - but some patients do not get any symptoms at all. Feist says there is a complete list of areas outside the US with confirmed Zika transmission, on the health department's website. She says anyone traveling outside the US should consult with their health care provider.