Health officials in the city of Medellín, reported on Thursday that all three of those who died tested positive for the Zika virus. But New Zealand officials say there is virtually no threat of Zika there because New Zealand doesn’t have the species of mosquito which is spreading the disease.
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Although the Zika virus stays in a person’s blood for only up to a week after the individual is infected, it’s unknown how long the virus could stay in a man’s semen.
Sexual transmission of Zika is possible, and because the mosquito-borne disease has been potentially linked to birth defects, it’s of particular concern during pregnancy. Pregnant women experiencing symptoms should be immediately tested, and those not, are recommended to when they begin prenatal care.
The CDC advises men with a pregnant partner to use condoms if they have traveled to an area with “active Zika virus transmission”.
Women of childbearing age, who want to avoid become pregnant, have been advised to use contraceptives and those who want to become pregnant are asked to get monitored and opt for preventive measures to avoid the virus.
With so much happening in the world of health, we bring the major highlights. For the 20% who display symptoms, the illness is mild and may include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. Babies with microcephaly have a small cranium that affects their brain development and may cause lifetime cognitive problems.
Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, said the agency is also working with researchers in Brazil to study a potential link between Zika and a wider array of developmental disorders in babies.
It did not release the woman’s name, saying she was one of seven confirmed cases in Spain.
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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.
