The Associated Press

Bay Area Woman Tested for Zika Virus

A Bay Area woman is being tested for what is known as the Zika virus.

Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne Zika virus have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas. The virus is spread through mosquito bites and is not transmitted person-to-person.

Brook Meakins, who is 21 weeks into her pregnancy, traveled to Bora Bora. On Monday, she reportedly spent the day in the emergency room, going through a battery of tests for a rash and achy joints, according to a story first reported in the Scientific American.

On Facebook, her husband, Andy Meakins, wrote that he and his wife want to raise awareness about the "terrible quickly spreading virus."

"In women that are pregnant, it affects the development of the baby's head and brain," said Dr. Jeffrey Silvers, director of infectious diseases at Sutter Health. "The skull is small and the brain can't grow to normal size."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a possible link between Zika virus infection in pregnant women and subsequent birth defects is being investigated in Brazil. Officials are warning travelers to be cautious and protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Doctors said the symptoms of the Zika virus include headaches, pink eyes, joints hurting, high fever, muscle aches and a rash.

NBC Bay Area's Kris Sanchez and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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