They were also told to avoid sharing cutlery, glasses and plates with people who have symptoms of the virus, while men were warned to use condoms with pregnant partners if they have visited countries where the virus is present.
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The Rockland County woman was diagnosed with Zika after returning home from the trip, according to county Executive Ed Day and Health Commissioner Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.
Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Zika, which is spreading through the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific and parts of Africa, has been linked to babies being born with brain defects.
The potential risk of transmission through bodily fluids was highlighted in the United States where the Centers for Disease Control believe a case was spread through sex. Any pregnant women showing symptoms should be tested, the agency said. “The bottom line…is that pregnant women should postpone travel to Zika affected areas”, he added. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.
“Zika virus symptoms may include low-grade fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis”, said Ruppert.
US health officials issued guidelines Friday to prevent the sexual transmission of the Zika virus, telling men who have been to outbreak areas to use condoms during sex with pregnant women.
Brazil’s president Dilma Rousseff has urged pregnant women not to kiss strangers as carnival season gets under way.
The UNFPA said there is no vaccine or any specific treatment for the Zika virus infection till date.
Here is what we have recently learned – and what we still don’t know – about how Zika spreads.
Florida’s history of fighting off mosquito-borne outbreaks puts the state in perhaps better position than most when it comes to the Zika virus.
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The Zika virus has spread rapidly in South America and with more than 800,000 Brazilians visiting our area a year, Governor Scott says we need to be prepared. Women with ultrasound tests showing microcephaly also should be tested.
