Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime, but bites should be avoided day and night.
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The Zika virus is typically transmitted via mosquitoes and can cause a transient illness.
The researchers have reported in the journal Cell that the virus not only lives and multiplies in the vagina, but can later infect a fetus directly.
Zika is now known for its potential to cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, a defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same age and gender, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.
While cases of Zika continue to increase in other countries, Levin said, local residents should not be anxious about contracting the virus at home.
New research in mice may offer insight into how the Zika virus is transmitted sexually and affects a fetus. A woman reported typical signs of a Zika infection 16 days after she had unprotected sex with her male partner, who had recently returned from the Dominican Republic, an area of active Zika transmission.
These states are in proximity to areas where Zika is actively spreading via mosquitoes or where there are a significant number of cases related to other exposures, including sexual transmission.
The FDA’s chief scientist Luciana Borio, MD, said, “As new scientific and epidemiological information regarding Zika virus has become available, it’s clear that additional precautionary measures are necessary”. Many athletes, including National Basketball Association stars and professional golfers, skipped the games because of the Zika epidemic in Brazil.
A previous study showed that Zika persists in a woman’s vaginal mucus 11 days after infection.
“We’re hoping that people will look around their home and look for any standing water, especially after all the rains we’ve had lately”, he explained. Insect repellents should not be used on children younger than 2 months old.
Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or with screens on windows and doors.
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.
Concerns over the virus had been cited by the top four ranked men’s golfers in the world – Jason Day of Australia, Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth of the United States and Ireland’s Rory McIlroy – who all withdrew.
Look for insect repellants that contain 20-35 percent DEET, the most common active ingredient in insect repellant, or 20 percent picaridin. These repellants can be purchased through online retailers and local sporting goods stores. Health officials, however, don’t expect widespread outbreaks to occur in the U.S.
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A man who had no idea he had Zika has given the virus to his female partner during sex, the Centers for Disease Control announced today. The patient is now isolated in a mosquito-free hospital.
