MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Do you have travel plans outside the country? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel alert for people traveling to certain areas of the Caribbean, Central America and South America where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. 

The Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The virus can also be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. 

The illness is usually mild and many people might not realize they have been infected; however, there are reports of birth defects in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. The CDC travel alert is largely due to these reports. Until more information is known about these potential birth defects and Zika virus, the CDC recommends special precautions for women traveling to the Caribbean, Central and South America and who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.

At this time, the immediate risk of Zika virus in the United States is low. Zika virus is not currently found in the continental U.S., but cases have been reported in returning travelers.

The 366th Medical Group recommends anyone traveling to the Caribbean, Central America and South America contact their provider or Public Health Flight to receive a pre-travel medical education briefing. Upon return, travelers who are pregnant are encouraged to contact their provider to determine if any additional measures are needed. 

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus. Travelers can protect themselves by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites when traveling in countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes have been reported.

For more information, contact the Public Health office at 208-828-7280 or visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.