Experts have discovered Zika virus mosquitoes in California, according to The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Vector Control Program.
In a news release Monday, the DHHS reported the detection of aedes aegypti, a type of mosquito that can transmit Zika, dengue, and other viruses, for the first time in Long Beach.
Long Beach Vector Control is working with the Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District to evaluate the extent of the infestation and aggressively target problem areas to prevent the spread of these mosquitoes.
"They have deployed a variety of traps for adult mosquitoes and mosquito eggs surrounding the location where the mosquitoes were found and additional locations where they may be found," the DHHS statement said.
While no current local transmission of Zika infection has been reported in California, Mayor Robert Garcia urged residents and visitors to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites, according to the release.
Dr. Anissa Davis, city health officer, added the department was working to control the mosquito population.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that the Zika infection could pose various risks.
During pregnancy, infection could cause fetuses to develop microcephaly, a birth defect of the brain. Furthermore, infants infected before birth could develop other defects and impaired growth. There have also been increased reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, in areas affected by Zika.
CDC reported that people infected with Zika often presented no, or mild symptoms such as fever, a rash, joint pain, or red eyes.
Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache, which could last for several days to a week.