So far, at least 53 cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in the United States. Almost all of those cases involve people who have traveled abroad.

With Spring Break fast approaching for area students, health experts warn that education is key, especially for those traveling to the hot sports for the virus.

Within the last week, we’ve learned the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted and transmitted by blood transfusion. In Brazil, the virus has been isolated from urine and from saliva of people with the infection.

The mosquito-borne illness is raising red flags with school and health officials as students begin planning for Spring Break.

“They just need to inform themselves and be very aware and mindful of the precautions and things that they can take to minimize or reduce their risk,” Marlene Stetson, Director of Infection Prevention and Control for Mount Nittany Medical Center, said. 

According to the CDC, there are 30 countries with active Zika virus transmission. The hot spots are Mexico, Central and South America and parts of the Caribbean.

“Wear long sleeved clothing, shirts and trousers and cover your skin as much as you’re able to,” Stetson said. “Also, wear Deet or other kind of approved repellant.”

Stetson also suggests covering your bed with netting and using screens in doors and windows.

The type of mosquito that spreads the virus is not found in Pennsylvania, but if someone is infected and carries it here, there’s a risk it could spread.

“A person is infected by an infected mosquito and then that mosquito bites somebody else, that would be how it could be transmitted,” Stetson said.

Zika causes relatively mild symptoms. Stetson said treatment is simply supportive care.