For the other 12 suspected cases of sexual transmission, 4 have been supported in preliminary lab tests but depend on other tests to confirm a Zika infection, while 8 more cases involve an “ongoing” investigation, the CDC said.
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Zika could cost the region $3.5 billion in 2016 through lost travel and tourism, as well as economic and medical costs of the illness, according to an initial estimate the World Bank published February 18. The agency advised their male sexual partners to use condoms after the trip or abstain from sex during the pregnancy.
Details on the second abortion case were not released, and the CDC declined to say whether or not both the women made their decisions specifically because of Zika. “Anyone who is planning travel to a country with active Zika virus transmission should consult their doctors before leaving, especially if they are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant”.
The CDC said Friday that it is also investigating 10 additional reports of pregnant travelers with Zika.
A molecular model of the Zika virus.
“I dare to write you because I’m a resident in Colombia and here the Zika virus is a major problem, although the health authorities haven’t recognized it. I want to ask for help because I’m overcome by fear that my baby will be born sick”. In some cases, women in affected countries have been told to consider putting off pregnancy. In recent days, companies from Goldman Sachs Group Inc.to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. have added disruption from Zika to the risk factors disclosed to investors in company filings. The yellow-fever mosquito and Asian tiger mosquito known to spread Zika are not native to San Diego, county health officials said.
The mother miscarried at eight weeks gestation, and an analysis of the fetus detected Zika virus. Of the nine pregnancies, two ended in miscarriage; two women chose abortions; two are still pregnant; and three delivered, two with apparently healthy infants and one with a child with microcephaly. The new report suggests that sexual transmission of the virus is more common than previously assumed.
There were also two healthy newborns and two women who still carry healthy babies.
The WHO also put forth recommendations on breastfeeding after Zika virus.
That’s to prevent mosquitoes from biting them and possibly spreading Zika to others in the US.
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“No one is more impatient than we are to get answers to these questions”, Frieden said.
