MEDFORD, Ore. — We’re learning more about the how the zika virus is transferred from person to person. doctors with Jackson County Health and Human Services said the Zika virus cannot be transferred from person to mosquito to person here locally.
Dr. Jim Shames said the type of mosquito that can carry the virus are only found in the tropics, and local species can’t carry it. He also said the only way it can spread here locally is by person to person contact.
“Theoretically, the disease could be transmitted through sex, and it’s been proven that that’s true,” Dr. Shames said. “It’s in your saliva and in your tears.”
Dr. Shames noted that it’s very unlikely that the virus will spread here locally. Health officials say anyone traveling to South America should be aware of the disease, but pregnant women are the most at risk.
The vast majority of people who contract Zika don’t get any symptoms of the virus.
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