“We’ve been informing physicians whom to test for Zika and sharing information on how travelers can protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes”, OHA Dr. Richard Leman said.
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DCHHS conducted the preliminary test and plans to send the results to the CDC for further analysis. Cases have also been identified in Europe and there were reports earlier today that a case has been confirmed in China.
Nationwide, about three dozen Zika cases have been confirmed.
China has confirmed its first case of imported Zika virus, after the outbreak of the disease in the Americas. “These women should consult with their health care provider before they travel to areas with Zika virus transmission”. Pregnant women or women who are planning to get pregnant are urged to not travel to countries affected by Zika Virus. However, only around one in five people infected show symptoms.
The United States Olympic Committee is expanding its efforts to reassure athletes and staff over concerns about the Zika virus as they prepare to head to Brazil this summer.
State health officials announced Wednesday a person in Morgan County (northern Alabama) tested positive for the mosquito-borne virus after traveling to a country where Zika Virus is spreading.
State health officials are working with the CDC and distributing guidance to Maryland hospitals.
Zika has surged through Latin America and has been linked to birth defects in children in the region.
If research proves that the virus can be spread through sex, it could complicate efforts to contain infections from the virus. It was probably introduced when a traveler came from French Polynesia to South America with the illness and was bitten by a mosquito. “Our team hasn’t said we’re not going unless this happens”.
The diagnosis is not a public health risk, as the virus does not transmit from person to person and is not believed to be present in native mosquitoes.
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The letter, addressed to prospective members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic and Paralympic delegation, says “no matter how much we prepare… there will always be risk associated with worldwide competition”.
