2nd Kauai resident contracts Zika virus while traveling

Evaristo Miqueli

In this Tuesday, June 28, 2016 file photo, Evaristo Miqueli, a natural resources officer with Broward County Mosquito Control, takes water samples decanted from a watering jug, checking for the presence of mosquito larvae in Pembroke Pines, Fla. The officers make daily inspections and respond to resident’s complaints about mosquitoes, as part of their mosquito control procedure. AP FILE PHOTO

LIHUE, Hawaii — County health officials say a Kauai resident who recently traveled to the South Pacific contracted the Zika virus.

This is the 10th case of imported Zika in the state and the second travel-related case on Kauai this year. Officials say Hawaii has no locally acquired Zika cases, and no mosquitoes are transmitting the disease in the state.

In announcing the recent case Monday, officials say the Kauai resident is past the point of being infectious to mosquitoes.

The mosquito-borne virus continues to spread in various regions across the world. Travel-related cases are expected to increase this year. Health officials advise travelers to prevent mosquito bites when they return from areas with mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends pregnant women not travel to Zika areas.

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