State health officials said they are working with other agencies to, “ensure that California is responding aggressively and appropriately to the emerging threat of Zika virus”.
Advertisement
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that all pregnant women in the United States be tested for the Zika virus as cases continue to climb across the country, including19 cases confirmed in MI.
As of last Friday, state health officials confirmed 114 travel-associated Zika virus infections in 22 counties.
Health officials in IL and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned pregnant women to avoid visiting the Wynwood District of Miami.
There is no cure for the virus, which causes no symptoms in four out of five cases.
The governor has pledged free Zika testing for all pregnant women in the state even though there is a shortage of test kits and limited funds. The virus has been spreading in Latin America and the Caribbean, prompting a travel warning for the region.
Two other candidate DNA vaccines are in human trial in the United States and Canada.
The Zika virus causes Dengue Fever-like symptoms and is generally not life-threatening but poses a significant risk for pregnant women whose fetuses can develop microcephaly and have birth defects as a result of the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best prevention is to stay away from areas where mosquitoes are, and to use bug repellents with DEET.
Zika is a disease that’s usually mild but can lead to severe brain-related birth defects if women are infected during pregnancy.
Expecting mothers, you’ll probably be screened for exposure to the Zika virus the next time you visit the doctor.
The total number of Zika cases in Texas rose to 93 on Tuesday after three new cases were reported.
State health officials have urged pregnant women or those considering getting pregnant to avoid those areas.
The mothers had traveled to countries with outbreaks of the illness before becoming infected.
“We continue to closely monitor developments in our understanding of the Zika virus as treatments and testing regimes develop”.
Advertisement
-Pregnant women and their partners living in or visiting this area should follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and the sexual transmission of Zika.
