This news comes as health officials in California revealed that two babies were recently born with Zika-related birth defects.
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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been zero locally-acquired cases of Zika in Ohio. The statement continued: “While mosquitoes that can carry the virus have been found in 12 California counties, there is no evidence these mosquitoes are transmitting Zika in the state at this time”.
Health officials also said that five other pregnant women in IL are awaiting test results from the CDC to determine if they have Zika or Dengue fever.
“Summer is in full swing and we continue to read reports of pregnant women exposed to the Zika virus”, Brown said.
Microcephly is a condition in which babies have abnormally small heads and incomplete brain development.
The Zika virus has sparked a major health alert in South America and fear of the virus has led a number of competitors to opt out of this year’s Olympic Games in Brazil.
Most people infected with Zika will not have symptoms, but for those who do, the illness is usually mild.
US military bases have been taking measures against the spreading Zika virus such as asking troops to wear insect repellent and stay away from mosquito-infested areas. “This award will ensure that OH can identify Zika-affected babies and connect their families with the health services they need”.
On Wednesday, U.S. health officials announced that a potential vaccine for the Zika virus had entered early clinical trials to assess its safety in humans.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Protection has advised pregnant women to avoid a section of Miami where Zika is being spread through mosquitoes.
Dr. Tom Frieden says aerial spraying that began Thursday quickly killed adult mosquitoes that pesticides on the ground couldn’t reach.
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Mosquito-control efforts in Wynwood have been hard because it’s a mixed-use area, where industrial sites are located next to a blend of residences and businesses, Frieden said earlier this week. But, as Florida Gov. Rick Scott said last week, Zika is a national problem. A total of 23 infections have been confirmed in pregnant women.
