More than 1,300 Zika infections have been reported in the USA, none involving bites from local mosquitoes; 14 of these were sexually transmitted, and one lab worker was stuck with a contaminated needle.
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The person recently returned to the USA from an area overseas where Zika is prevalent, reported the Knox County Health Department, which received lab confirmation of the case from the state Department of Health on Friday.
Researchers at the front lines of the Zika virus, the Fiocruz Public Institution in Brazil, have found the presence of Zika in Culex insects known as the common house mosquito.
“While not surprising, given the travel trends of our global city, this case is a strong reminder of the tragic consequences of the Zika virus”, city Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said in the statement.
State health officials say two types of mosquitos can potentially spread the virus here at home, so they’re asking the public to be proactive by using repellents like Hamilton does or avoiding travel to the Americas if you’re trying to get pregnant.
Mosquito control patrols have shifted into high gear after two cases of Zika were confirmed in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Zika virus during pregnancy can be more serious. The CDC is working with Florida health officials to investigate what could be the first Zika infection from a mosquito bite in the continental United States.
Even suspected cases of a mosquito-borne virus trigger costly responses. The baby has other brain problems as well.
In Brevard County, Health First TeleHealth is now offering a consultation with a Health-First Medical Group provider over the telephone or through video conferencing.
A baby born to a woman in Fayette County tested positive for the virus.
Florida’s health officials are conducting researches about a second possible Zika case spread by locally infected mosquitoes. Nineteen of those cases were newly reported Friday in the state’s daily Zika update.
The CDC recommends pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
“We’re monitoring just like Florida does, and we are very concerned as we go into the summer months in Louisiana”.
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“You have to go through an very bad lot of paperwork and approvals to be allowed to even use the test”, said Dr. Reik.
