The first case of the tropical virus Zika, a mosquito-borne disease, has been confirmed in a Harris County, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDCP health officals said that the Harris County resident, after traveling from Latin America, has developed rash, fever and joint pain which have been associated with the symptoms of the virus. According to Martha Marquez, the spokeswomen for Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, the resident has now made a full recovery.

Dr. Scott Weaver of UTMB's Institute for Human Infections and Immunity said that the Zika virus is now a major concern not just to Brazil but to other countries as well.

"There have been only a few cases definitely linked to Zika virus infection but we think it's likely many of these cases that may total more than 3,000 in Brazil alone could be due to Zika virus infection," said Weaver.

The Zika infection shows mild to no symptoms similar to that of the flu virus in most people. The virus is also not fatal. That's why it was initially thought to be harmless. But recently, as posted by the website, Telegraph, experts are already investigating the fact that the virus may lead to birth-related neurological issues or birth defects called microcephaly.

CDCP said that, "Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. A possible link between Zika virus infection in pregnant women and subsequent birth defects is being investigated in Brazil."

Guillain-Barre Syndrome which is "a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system" is also associated with the virus. The rates of this disease and microcephaly have corresponded with the place and time of the outbreak.

There is still no available medicine to treat the virus. But as posted by CBS News, Dr. Umair A. Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, there is still a key to reduce the risk of the infection, and that is prevention. It's only a matter of time before the virus occurs worldwide, so everyone should protect himself against mosquito bites.

"We encourage individuals traveling to areas where the virus has been identified to protect themselves against mosquito bites, and to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop Zika virus-like symptoms," said Dr. Shah.

The Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of the virus, are able to transmit the virus during the day and can breed in water close to humans. This outbreak has concerned Latin America for months spreading across Puerto Rico, Colombia and Brazil.