Health Experts Issue Warning Over Zika Virus For Those Traveling Abroad

ONTARIO (CBSLA.com) — Outbreaks of a tropical illness are spreading through Latin American and Caribbean countries and may be behind an increase in a rare birth defect.

Called Zika virus, it is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. There is one confirmed case in the United States, in Texas. But right now, the Centers for Disease Control is more concerned about pregnant women who may be traveling to other countries where the virus is spreading. They're advising pregnant women to postpone travel to 14 places, including Mexico, Brazil, Panama and Puerto Rico.

And here's why.

In Brazil, Zika virus is being blamed for a 20-fold increase of babies born with microcephaly, or a small, underdeveloped brain.

Pregnant traveler Lauren Rainieri at Ontario Airport says she'll take those alerts seriously.

"Most likely, it would probably stop me from traveling while I was pregnant. It definitely makes me think twice," Rainieri said.

Umair Shah, Executive Director at Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services in Houston, offered his approach.

"Concerned? No. Worried? No. But those are things we want to continue to watch," Shah said.

There is no vaccine for the Zika virus, so if you do travel to the areas of concern, doctors say insect repellent is the best defense, especially repellent with DEET.

And as always, talk to your doctor before you decide what to do.

"My daughter is pregnant, so if I'm going to bring something back, that is a concern," traveler Joni Villanueva said. "I want her to be protected as well, (so) that would be a high warning for me."