With the first case of Zika virus identified in the commonwealth, Gov. Matt Bevin and state health officials say it's time to make sure residents are educated about the mosquito-borne disease.
The governor told reporters Thursday the risk remains minimal, but the confirmed case in man who recently returned to Louisville from Central America shows the importance of awareness as Spring Break approaches and residents plan to trips to affected regions.
"The biggest issue is for people to start now, to be proactive, to get out in front of this and inform themselves," he said during a press conference.
Health Sec. Vickie Yates Brown Glisson assured the public the state is coordinating its response with the Centers for Disease Control of Prevention.
"We do have a plan. We feel that we're prepared," she reported.
Glisson said the state is urging hospitals and clinics to be on the lookout for symptoms consistent with the illness and keeping a closer eye on local mosquito populations. Meanwhile, travelers are being cautioned to wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants and apply CDC-approved insect repellents.
Most cases of Zika produce only mild symptoms, but scientists are investigating potential links to microcephaly - a rare disorder that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads.
