SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Californians may be hearing more about the Zika virus and it could get close to home when mosquitoes reappear with warmer weather.

There have been no reported cases of infected humans so far this year. But, there were six between 2013 and 2015. State health officials said that all the victims had contracted the virus while traveling to other countries.

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The species is not native to California, but have been found in twelve California counties including Riverside and San Bernardino.

Doctors say most people infected with Zika virus will not develop symptoms. If symptoms do develop, they are usually mild and include fever, rash and eye redness.

To avoid mosquito bites, state health officials urge removal of standing water and wearing insect repellant when necessary.

Story Date: February 17, 2016