Both of these cases are local transmissions through mosquito bites and brings the total number of local transmissions of Zika to 30 in Florida.
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Zika virus is linked babies being born with small heads – a condition called microcephaly, which leads to brain damage and learning difficulties. But when the first case of Zika virus infection was reported in Yellowstone County on August 3, it suddenly felt too close for comfort. Until now, Americans diagnosed with Zika contracted overseas or received it through sexual contact.
Hudson said Eglin is part of a larger effort involving other military bases and local governments throughout the Panhandle working to combat the virus. The decision by Florida officials to conduct aerial insecticide spraying shows how they were able to change mosquito control tactics when the Aedes aegypti mosquito proved hard to kill, for instance.
Abby Beerman is an epidemiologist with the Green River District Health Department.
Robert Resendes, director of the City of El Paso Department of Public Health, urged residents to be calm but informed, and assured Texans that no local mosquitoes were carrying the virus. Other counties with travel-related cases include Calhoun, Cullman, Etowah, Houston, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Mobile, Montgomery, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega and Tuscaloosa. After his return to Texas, the unidentified man became ill and sought testing. Texas has made it a first priority to prevent the virus. This additional caution should be especially considered when partners have recently traveled to another country or state where the virus had been reported. About one in five will have a mild, self-limiting illness characterized by fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
The vast majority of Zika cases associated with the USA have been in US territories, particularly Puerto Rico, where there have been 5,460 locally acquired cases. “We are constantly in communication with state about the status of Zika preparation and education across Kentucky”.
Other cases in the county have included residents from DeSoto, Irving and Dallas who traveled overseas to places such as El Salvador, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Honduras and Jamaica. The virus lasts in our bloodstream about one week, and then it’s gone.
Beerman said the risk of the virus in Owensboro is similar to that in Louisville. The risk is the greatest starting this month, she said.
“It might be better if we get it all (money and resources) when we need it, rather than if we get just a little bit now”, he said.
In addition to this, an increase of standing water due to a recent flood may cause a rise in the Zika vector population in another southern U.S. state: Louisiana.
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Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and hats.
