Zika Virus news 2016: First case of Zika in Washington, Costa Rica; mother with Zika gave birth to healthy child

The Zika Virus continues to spread since the recent reported outbreaks in Africa, Southeast Asia, Pacific islands and the Americas. This year, Washington and Costa Rica reported the first case of the virus.

Washington State Department of Health received confirmation by the Centers of Disease Control that a Mason County man, who recently travelled from the South Pacific to Washington earlier this month, is the first case of the virus in the state. 

In the same report, State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases for the Department of Health Dr. Scott Lindquist said, "Because many people travel to and from places where Zika is spreading, we've been expecting to have imported cases of Zika virus disease." 

He added: "While the Zika virus is of greatest risk to pregnant women, it is understandably concerning to many of us. The good news is this virus spreads through the bite of a type of mosquito we don't have in Washington state, so it is very unlikely that this virus would spread widely here."

Meanwhile, The Tico Times reported that in Costa Rica, Health Minister Fernando Llorca announced that two pregnant women from the community of Sámara have been confirmed with the virus after experts performed four different lab tests. The two women neither had any recent travels abroad or had in contact with anyone from outside the country. Although both showing symptoms and were tested positive for the virus, their ultrasounds show no signs of microcephaly on the unborn infant. Before this, they also registered two others who were infected abroad.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, a woman who reportedly acquired the virus during her pregnancy gave birth to a healthy baby boy. After a thorough assessment, the pediatric department of the local hospital in the city of Tuxtla Gutierrez confirmed that the infant is "clinically healthy." 

As of Feb. 19, Mexico has already 80 confirmed cases of Zika virus.

The World Health Organization continues to remind the public to prevent contact with mosquitoes by using an insect repellant regularly, wearing light-colored long sleeves, and using physical barriers like window screens, closed doors and windows. People who are infected with the virus are instructed to have adequate rest and drink enough fluids. There is no specific medication to counter the Zika virus.