Zika virus hits Butler County

The Ohio Department of Health reports two new cases of the Zika virus in Ohio – and one is a 56-year-old woman from Butler County.

The cases are the third and fourth to reach Ohio, according to a news release. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. There is no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact, officials say.

The Butler County woman recently returned from Guyana. The other new case was found in a 60-year-old man from Licking County. He recently returned from Haiti, according to the release.

Zika virus cases confirmed in Indiana, Ohio

“Given the number of travelers between Ohio and Zika virus-affected countries, it would not be a surprise to see more cases,” said Ohio Health Department Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio. “There is no vaccine available for Zika virus so it’s important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

The health department says severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.

Of people infected with the Zika virus, officials say, 80 percent do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are often mild, lasting from several days to a week. The symptoms include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, red eyes and headache, officials say.

More information can be found on the Ohio Health Department's website.