Health officials see Zika Virus uptick in Mexico's Sonora state

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- Maricopa County Public Health officials say they have seen an uptick in Zika viruses in Nogales, located in Mexico's Sonora state.

Mexico has always been on the list of countries affected by Zika, but the increase in cases in the Sonora state is concerning. In the last two weeks, 45 cases of Zika have been confirmed.

"We want to make sure that if someone is going on vacation and they are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, that they know about the risks," said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, Medical Director for Disease Control at Maricopa County Public Health. "We are asking that they avoid travel there, if they are pregnant."

In addition, there is a reminder for men that Zika can be an sexually transmitted disease.

"We ask that they use condoms for three months when they get back, when they're with someone who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant," said Dr. Sunenshine.

Health officials recommend wearing insect repellent, long sleeves, pants and staying in places with screen doors and windows. Symptoms of Zika can be fever, joint pain, red eyes, headache, and a rash. Health officials also want to make it clear that there hasn't been any Zika Virus cases in Arizona so far this year.