How Will The Zika Virus Affect My Travel Plans?

By Abbott Dutton

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — With cases of the Zika virus in 20 countries, including six states in the U.S., there's a growing concern about the disease that's linked to a birth defect.

There have been no reported cases of the virus on the Sacramento area, but that could change. The virus is so new, doctors are learning and hearing more about it every day.

The virus is spread by a certain type of mosquito, and it only takes one bite.

UC Davis Dr. Veronique Tache specializes in high-risk pregnancies, and advises women to stay calm.

"It doesn't mean that if you're bitten by a mosquito that you're gonna get sick and if you do get bitten and you get the Zika virus it doesn't mean your baby will get infected," she said.

The rare virus has been associated with babies being born with extremely small heads, which can lead to neurological issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging pregnant women to postpone travel to areas affected by the virus.

What if you're considering getting pregnant and are planning a trip?

"Let's say you do travel and you get infected by the Zika virus, usually the time frame of infection is one to two weeks. So as long as the infection has resolved you should be able to get pregnant thereafter," she said.

There's no cure or way to reverse microcephaly, and no treatment for the virus. For now, Tache recommends any pregnant woman who has been to an infected area should see their doctor, even if they don't think they've been bitten by a mosquito.

The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.