Research into the exact risks posed by maternal Zika infection is ongoing, health officials said.
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She had headache and abdominal cramping while in the airport awaiting return to the USA and developed symptoms including fever, fatigue, a maculopapular rash and back pain the following day. Others were infected with the virus while traveling to Latin America, the Caribbean, and other areas.
If you are traveling overseas, first check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel page at nc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information to see if Zika is spreading in your planned destination. Given that Zika has already been confirmed to be sexually transmittable (although sexual transmission of the virus is rare), the news is not that surprising.
The CDC has confirmed that the virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.
An interview with the man confirmed that he had not been exposed to Zika in any other way; he had not traveled to a country where Zika is spreading, he had not been bitten by a mosquito (which can spread the virus), and he did not have any other recent sexual partners, the report said. Current advice is that men who have traveled to countries where the Zika virus is prevalent should use a condom or not have sex for at least six months. Each of the residents traveled in countries where Zika is circulating, health officials said. Two days later, he went to the same doctor.
Florida’s total of 311 travel-related cases includes 43 pregnant women.
According to the CDC, the man did not use a condom, and he developed a fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes seven days later.
Everyone should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to avoid infection with Zika virus, and to prevent further spread of the virus. Her partner, who is also in his 20s, subsequently got sick and tested positive for the virus.
They both are in their 20s, but no other details about them were released, including where the woman traveled. Both have recovered, a CDC official said. Earlier this year Zika was reported to have been sexually transmitted between two men for the first time. Health official say she may have spread the virus through vaginal fluid or menstrual blood.
Some experts said the case isn’t surprising.
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Friday’s new cases came from counties across the state, including several in the Tampa Bay area. The agency had only previously recorded transmission from males to females. She started her period on the second day after returning, which she said was heavier than usual. And the man was uncircumcised, and uncircumcised men are considered at higher risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases.
