The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported Friday there are now 157 women infected with the virus in 50 US states and the District of Columbia and 122 cases in USA territories – mostly in Puerto Rico.
Advertisement
Both had traveled outside the U.S.to a Zika-affected area, said Jessica Rigler, who is chief of the state’s bureau of epidemiology and disease control.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the strain of Zika virus responsible for the outbreaks in South American country, Brazil, has been detected in Africa for the first time. While the virus typically only prompts mild symptoms in most adults, it can cause fetal brain defects if a pregnant woman becomes infected.
Back then, the agency told the public of cases by pregnant women who are tested positive and showed Zika fever symptoms.
The America and its territories have been reported significant rise in cases of pregnant women with Zika virus.
All have “laboratory evidence of possible Zika virus infection”, the CDC said.
Nationally, the CDC reports 544 travel associated cases through May 18, which include 10 sexually transmitted cases.
At least five women contracted Zika without leaving the continental U.S., but had sexual relations with someone who had, Honein said.
Christ said state and county health and environmental officials will work to identify any mosquito breeding sites at or near the homes of the two Maricopa County residents.
President Obama has requested $1.9 billion in funding to combat the Zika virus in the US, but so far the House and Senate have favored smaller spending packages.
The Zika virus will likely begin spreading in the US “in the next month or so”, a top health official said Sunday, highlighting the need for “forceful preparation”.
Although the virus heals on its own, it is important for pregnant women to seek immediate medical assistance as various complications may transpire to their babies. “We don’t know how often when they get infected, their babies are infected”.
Advertisement
Obama urged the Congress to release more funds to battle the virus. The funding bill with the most support right now sets aside a little more than $1 billion.
