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At Least 19 Infected With Zika Virus In Westchester

As Florida battles with locally contracted cases of the Zika virus, local health officials confirmed that 19 people in Westchester County and 10 residents in Rockland County have been confirmed to have the virus, according to News 12.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state officials check out areas of standing water that have the potential to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state officials check out areas of standing water that have the potential to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Photo Credit: NY Governor

At least eight of those residents are pregnant, said News 12. 

The virus, primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, can cause birth defects when carried by pregnant women. 

Officials said that it's important to understand that all local cases have been contracted while traveling outside the two counties, added News 12. 

Due to health privacy laws, officials have not revealed where the cases were contracted, said News 12.

Approximately one in five people infected with Zika wind up getting sick. The illness is usually mild for those who do get sick. As a result, many may not realize they have been infected.

Symptoms usually begin two to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito with the most common symptoms being fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

A Zika virus information line is available to New York residents at 888-364-4723. The service is free and available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Click here to read the News 12 story. 

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