Health Officials Expect Zika Virus Could Eventually Reach Md.

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A warning about the Zika virus: Maryland health officials expect the disease could eventually reach Maryland.

Now state health offiicals are taking aggressive steps to prevent a widespread outbreak.

Ava-joye Burnett speaks with health experts about what's being done.

Seventeen people are being tested in Maryland. As they wait for their results, the state is on high alert.

At least 53 cases of the Zika virus--even some of them surrounding Maryland--three in D.C. and one in Virginia.

The Maryland Health Department has tested 17 people for the mosquito-borne virus.

The effects can be devastating--babies born with small heads and brains.

Dr. Howard Haft, deputy secretary for Public Health Services.

Burnett: "Are you all concerned that it will get to Maryland?"

Haft: "That's a good question, and certainly, we are concerned and we're staying very situationally aware and following all of the CDC guidance in terms of appropriate measures to take."

With new information that the Zika virus can be transmitted sexually, the CDC is now warning men who have traveled to the affected countries to either avoid having sex with their pregnant partners or use protection.

The CDC also has a travel alert for pregnant women who've planned trips to countries with confirmed cases of the virus.

People returning to Maryland from more than two dozen countries are most at risk. The Health Department's best line of defense right now is doctors who may see patients with those symptoms.

"It's important that people be tested if they've been in those areas--particularly if they're symptomatic--and with a particular emphasis on pregnant women," said Dr. Haft.

Some pregnant women are already making drastic moves, like canceling their vacations.

"We were kind of looking forward to going on a tropical cruise, but again, it's nothing worth putting the baby at risk also," said Min Kim.

Right now, the Maryland Department of Health is gearing up to do its own testing for the virus.

As of now, there is no vaccine for the Zika virus.