New York City health officials say three New Yorkers have contracted the Zika virus.
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“According to World Health Organization officials, the world could see up to four million cases of the Zika Virus this upcoming year”.
The Inland area remains free of the Zika virus as USA and global health leaders step up efforts to thwart continued spread of a disease suspected of causing birth defects and paralysis in Latin America.
But for pregnant women the effects could be much greater to them and their baby.
“Women who are pregnant should definitely consider not going to countries that have high degrees of incidence of this disease, but some will have to go to those countries, whether to visit family or for business reasons and so in the long term, simply not traveling is not a solution”, he said.
The disease is not believed to spread via human contact and the mosquitoes believed to carry it are not found in NY.
Colombia, a traditionally right-wing country that has arguably been pushed leftwards by current President Juan Manuel Santos, has been the second hardest-hit country, according to the Associated Press (AP).
But there are still serious concerns about pregnant women traveling to countries where Zika cases have been reported. Symptoms can include fever, headache, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash, along with joint and muscle pain.
Monica Roa, a spokesman for Women’s Link Worldwide, a pro-abortion NGO, described restrictive abortion laws in Brazil, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic as a “gap in sexual education”. People don’t die in droves of Zika virus.
Air Canada is allowing woman and their travel companions to change bookings or receive a refund.
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Blumenthal, who issued the plea from the Spanish American Merchants Association in Hartford Friday, noted that many people from CT – especially in the capital city – have family in affected areas, including Puerto Rico, where 19 cases have been confirmed.
