This week, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed four additional case of Zika virus.
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Canada on Friday (Aug 12) confirmed its first case of a birth defect related to the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Murphy said the biggest concern related to Zika virus is that it can be passed to babies during pregnancy and has strong links to a serious, brain-related birth defect known as microcephaly.
A World Health Organization report released on Thursday also mentions Canada as the latest country to report a case of congenital malformation associated with a Zika infection. “Folks should consider Zika when planning travel to affected areas, but the discovery of the illness in a Wyoming resident does not mean an increased risk in our state and does not change our recommendations”, Murphy said.
“Our nation’s ability to mount the type of Zika response that the American people deserve sits squarely with Congress”, Mrs. Burwell said in a letter to congressional leaders. Mosquitos transmitting Zika have recently been found in a part of Miami, Fla., prompting Canada’s public health agency to warn pregnant women to avoid travelling there.
Florida health officials say they’re investigating a new Zika case outside a Miami neighborhood where mosquitoes have spread the virus to over two dozen people.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said at a school board meeting Wednesday that “aggressive application” of repellent should be done at home, not at school where some students may be allergic to the spray.
He added that Canadians should take precautions but don’t need to be alarmed, calling the guidelines for preventing infections “spot on”.
The WHO did not say where the mother contracted the infection.
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According to the statement, the Health Department still believes active transmissions are happening only in the Wynwood area.
