RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - With five confirmed cases of Zika virus in our state, North Carolina health officials are urging residents to be aware of travel recommendations from the state and the Centers for Disease Control. Recommendations pertain to those traveling to  Central America, South America, Mexico or the Caribbean.

“Travelers to any of the countries with active Zika transmission should follow precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. Pregnant women are particularly urged to take note of the recent CDC travel recommendations advising that travel to areas with active virus transmission be postponed if possible," said State Health Director, Randall Williams in a statement.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infectious mosquito. A pregnant woman infected with Zika virus can pass the virus to her unborn baby, with possible brain defect as the result.