"We encourage those concerned about symptoms to consult their doctor, particularly if they have traveled to an affected area and particularly if they are pregnant. We have been actively taking steps for months to prepare for a positive case, including expedited testing and a coordinated response across agencies. While the risk of transmission is low, we are nevertheless no doubt continuing that preparation to the extent that we can," Governor Malloy said.
"Today’s test result highlights the need for everyone to take precautions if they are travelling to areas affected by Zika. While this virus is particularly dangerous for the babies of pregnant women, men need to be just as vigilant so that they don’t transmit the virus to their partners through sexual contact," DPH Commissioner Raul Pino said.
In January, Governor Malloy directed DPH to test for Zika virus. While this particular test was done by NYC Health officials, the CT DPH Laboratory has been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to perform two separate levels of testing for the Zika virus, giving patients and their physicians the ability to receive test results in a matter of days. Prior to this approval, specimens were sent to the CDC for testing, with an average turnaround of 3-4 weeks.
To date, 388 cases of Zika have been reported in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Of those, 33 were pregnant women and another 8 were sexually transmitted. In Connecticut, 220 patients, including 204 pregnant women, have been tested for Zika virus. Today’s result is the second positive test in Connecticut. The first patient, a non-pregnant female, has since recovered from her illness.