Authorities say the measure is entirely precautionary, as the species of mosquito that can potentially carry the virus – Aedes aegypti – live and breed in the area. At least 17 of those cases have a confirmed link to the Zika virus. Health officials now have “no evidence that women can transmit Zika virus to their sex partners; however, more research is needed to understand this issue”. An infection is usually over in a week but the virus can persist in semen.
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“This is the time of year when many MI residents are traveling to warmer climates”.
Zika infection generally causes mild symptoms, but it may be linked to thousands of cases of birth defects in Brazil known as microcephaly, which is marked by undersized heads and underdeveloped brains. While the virus is said to be relatively harmless, it is the possible connection of the virus with birth defects that is problematic.
Asked whether she agreed with the advice given in some Latin American countries for women to consider delaying pregnancy, Chan said she thinks it is important for governments to set out all available information so people can make informed decisions. Vail said some test results the health department is waiting on are from pregnant women who traveled to affected countries but did not have any related symptoms.
Of people infected with the Zika virus, 80 percent do not have any symptoms.
“There’s a lot we don’t know about Zika, and it’s important to learn as much as we can”, she said.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Tuesday it is investigating 14 new reports of possible sexual transmission of the Zika virus in the country.
Prior to 2015, outbreaks of Zika virus have occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. But new cases are causing concern that Zika could become an STD threat.
Zika’s spreading fast across the Americas and the Caribbean and the World Health Organization has declared it a public health emergency of global concern.
Cameron Dick’s announcement in parliament on Thursday comes as spraying for mosquitoes that could carry Zika continues in Rockhampton after the state’s eighth confirmed case was discovered in the central Queensland city on Wednesday afternoon.
The agency did not identify the states where these cases are being investigated.
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. The mosquitoes that transmit Zika bite primarily during the day.
