RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - There are no known cases of the Zika virus in North Carolina but state officials are urging travelers to be aware of the risk when traveling to Central and South America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The Centers for Disease Control reports 52 cases of infection in the U.S.

"While our attention has been focused on educating health providers, and citizens who are traveling to countries with active Zika virus transmission, we are simultaneously prepared to respond to vector-borne diseases in North Carolina," said State Epidemiologist Megan Davies in a statement. "Suspected cases of Zika are required to be reported by order of the State Health Director so that we can actively monitor any cases should they appear in North Carolina."

Zika virus is particularly threatening to pregnant women, who can pass it to the unborn child. It can also lead to serious birth defects.

Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infectious mosquito. Isolated cases of the virus spreading through sexual contact and blood donation have been reported.