CDC issues travel alert for Zika Virus Published Feb. 3, 2016 By 366th Medical Group MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Do you have travel plans outside the United States? 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 and the illness is usually mild. 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 virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. 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 affected areas and who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. For more information visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.