California has had two infants born recently with Zika-related microcephaly after their mothers contacted the virus while overseas, according to the California Department of Public Health. Travelers to areas with Zika should monitor for symptoms or sickness upon return. Reports are suggesting that twenty people in Palm Beach County were affected by the Zika virus because they had traveled to these countries.
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The Centers for Disease Control is reporting more than 1,800 travel-associated cases of the Zika virus in the U.S.
As of August 3, a total of 573 people have been tested in Wisconsin, resulting in 18 confirmed travel-related Zika virus cases.
Business owners in Miami’s Wynwood arts district say they’ve been losing money since local Zika infections were announced, and they’re asking government officials for help. U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson both lobbied for Congress to pass the package, fearing Florida would be hit the hardest by the virus. Health officials have advised citizens to avoid the Wynwood area. There is no vaccine or medicine for zika virus.
Of the 486 confirmed cases, 25 are locally acquired, meaning victims were bitten by mosquitoes in Florida. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett doubted the efficiency of that program and said he would work with local and state officials as well as corporate partners to get the spray directly to residents.
Gov. Rick Scott has prioritized handling the virus and meeting with statewide and local officials as new cases emerged this week. Governor Scott also announced that DOH has identified three additional people in the impacted area with the Zika virus who likely contracted it through a mosquito bite. Because Zika symptoms can be confused with the flu, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and recognize the symptoms as they first appear.
The Zika infections in Miami are limited to a 500-square-foot area in the Wynwood neighborhood, according to Frieden.
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The change in policy comes as the number of locally-transmitted cases continues to rise in Florida. Less common symptoms include fever, joint pains and muscle aches.
