State confirms first Zika virus case in Ingham County woman

State health officials have confirmed the first case of the Zika virus in Michigan.

The state says Wednesday that an Ingham County woman contracted the virus while traveling in a country where it is transmitted and experienced symptoms consistent with the disease after returning to Michigan.

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes, and has been spreading through countries such as Brazil.

It is feared to cause severe birth defects in unborn children. The state says the Ingham County woman was not pregnant.

Fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes are common symptoms. They typically are mild and last several days to a week. Many infected with the virus will not experience any symptoms.  (AP)