Zika Virus US Outbreak Update: Case Confirmed At Lehigh University After Pennsylvania Student Tests Positive

A Lehigh University student has been infected with the Zika virus, which is transmitted through mosquitoes, after traveling abroad over winter break, according to a statement from the school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health notified the university that one of its students had contracted the mosquito-borne virus in an unnamed Zika-affected country. The student has since recovered, according to university officials. "We are grateful to be able to report that the student has recovered and is feeling well," said John Smeaton, vice-provost of student affairs, in a message to the university community.

Smeaton said the case posed "no additional health risk to anyone on campus." Most people recover within one week from the virus. Symptoms include fevers, rashes and achy joints. The illness is not fatal, but may affect unborn babies if a pregnant woman becomes infected.

It is unclear if student was one of the two female Pennsylvania residents reported by the department Tuesday to have the virus. "While we are concerned about the health of these individuals and any Pennsylvanian who may be exposed to Zika virus, we want to emphasize that these cases pose no threat to the public," Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy said in a statement.

Health officials in Dallas reported a case last week where a patient had sex with someone who tested positive for the virus after traveling to Venezuela. It is the first known case of the virus being domestically acquired in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC has since updated the Zika virus guidance for pregnant women.

"Until we know more, if your male sexual partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission, you should abstain from sex or use condoms the right way every time you have vaginal, anal, and oral sex for the duration of the pregnancy," the CDC guidance said.