MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County Public Health Services has updated information on its Public Health Information line (845/513-2268, Option 1) for members of the public to call with questions about Zika virus as of February 9. Links on the department’s web page to the latest Zika Health Advisory will also be updated as more information becomes available from the New York State Health Department and Centers for Disease Control.

Information and recommendations for the public and health care providers are rapidly evolving, and updates on Zika virus can also be obtained by going to www.health.ny.gov/diseases/zika_virus/

The Zika virus disease is spread to people by a mosquito bite from two species of mosquitoes. The Zika virus is not transmitted person to person by casual contact. No locally acquired cases of Zika virus have been reported, although some travelers returning to New York State from affected countries recently have tested positive.

At this time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has indicated that free testing will be provided for pregnant women (in consultation with their health care providers and as approved by their local health department) who have a recent travel history to any of the affected countries. Outbreaks of Zika virus are occurring in Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Because specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing and are likely to change over time, the Centers for Disease Control will update travel notices as information becomes available.