Travel-related Zika found in Monterey County.

While the Zika virus has garnered international headlines since the outbreak was first documented in Brazil in April of 2015, its effects weren’t felt locally until now.

An unnamed Monterey County resident contracted Zika while traveling in Central America in June and July, according to the Monterey County Health Department.

After returning to the U.S., the person became ill and sought care from their primary care provider, who suspected the mosquito-born illness. Laboratory testing through the county Health Department confirmed Zika.

Travel-associated Zika been found in 1,657 people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first domestic Zika infections in the U.S. were reported in a small community north of Miami where 14 people have been infected in the past weeks, according to the CDC.

While the virus is primarily contracted through mosquito bites, it can also be passed through sexual contact, blood transfusions and from mother to child.

Many people who contract Zika do not notice symptoms, while those who do often experience fever, rash and joint pain. Symptoms typically occur three to seven days after exposure.

The virus in pregnant mothers has been linked to microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with smaller-than-average heads, and develop physical and cognitive disabilities.

“I strongly encourage pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant to avoid travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is occurring,” Dr. Edward Moreno, health officer and director of public health for Monterey County said in a statement.