On a regular basis this summer, we will be updating and expanding our interactive graphics to detail how and where the Zika Virus is spreading.
The potential spread of Zika Virus across the United States and in New Jersey this summer could be one of the largest public health threats in years and the number of confirmed cases has already started climbing in the Garden State.
On Tuesday, doctors at Hackensack University Medical Center confirmed the first baby born with birth defects related to the mosquito-born illness, which is already spurred a public health crisis in parts of Latin and South America. The mother contracted the virus while visiting her native Honduras, officials said.
Understanding the public risk, NJ Advance Media will be tracking the virus' spread on an ongoing basis through a series of updating and expanding interactive graphics. The first of which, below, shows the location and timeline for the 16 confirmed cases of Zika virus in New Jersey.
8 important facts about Zika Virus
While the virus is primarily transferred through mosquitos, Zika may also may be transmitted through sexual intercourse with a partner carrying the virus, according to the CDC. In most people, Zika causes only a mild illness lasting just a few days, but for unborn babies, the impact can be catastrophic.
Zika has been linked to microcephaly, a neurological condition associated with an abnormally small head and lifelong disabilities.
The CDC has urged pregnant women to avoid traveling to more than a dozen countries in South and Central America, along with the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, where the virus is prevalent.
As more information is released, the graphic will be expanded.
Currently, all 16 reported cases of Zika in New Jersey are travel-related, meaning they were contracted outside of the continental United States and brought to New Jersey. These cases pose less of a public health threat, though not zero, than cases contracted via mosquito within the state.
Mosquitos capable of carrying Zika are expected to arrive in New Jersey this July. When and if locally transmitted cases begin to be reported, our Zika Tracker will be updated to reflect that.
The figures represent current confirmed cases of Zika. In reality, the numbers may be much higher.
There is no vaccine or cure for Zika.
Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook.