State health officials say the mosquito blamed for infecting people with the Zika virus isn't found in New York, but they plan this spring to check related mosquitoes in New York City, Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley.
Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker says the only U.S. cases involve people who traveled to Brazil and other places where mosquito bites have been linked to Zika infections. He says there's no need to isolate infected people.
Senator Chuck Schumer says action must be taken NOW before 'mosquito season' - "A stitch in time has to save nine and I don't want to see the federal government make the same mistake they made with Ebola. They were late to the game! Once they came in they did a good job and Ebola didn't spread, but lots of people were scared and we lost a lot of economic value because of it."
For most folks, Zika symptoms are usually mild, with a rash and fever: it can't be spread by casual human contact.
The Health Department says there were nine confirmed cases in New York as of Friday.