There are 43 cases of locally acquired Zika in four Florida counties.
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“There is now no risk for contracting Zika virus in Santa Barbara County via infected mosquitoes”.
California has seen no mosquito-transmitted cases of the virus, which can cause birth defects and neurological problems. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika, although research is underway.
Zika is most known for its link to a devastating birth defect called microcephaly, where babies are born with a smaller than normal head and underdeveloped brains. In the mice bred to be vulnerable to Zika, the virus increased uncontrollably in the fetus and caused spontaneous abortions.
To protect the woman’s privacy, the county Health Department isn’t releasing her identity and revealed very few details about the case.
So far, 61 people have tested positive for Zika in CT, including four pregnant women.
As the disease can also be spread through sexual contact, local, state and federal health agencies all encourage protection during sexual activity if someone has traveled to an area with Zika, is pregnant or is considering getting pregnant.
Georgia Student Health Services confirmed the report, telling WTOC that “it is important to understand that this case is travel associated and there is no evidence that Zika is being transmitted in our area”.
The principle specifies that female travelers should postpone becoming pregnant for two months after their return, regardless of whether they develop suspected Zika symptoms. Partners of pregnant women are advised to use a condom to guard against sexual transmission during pregnancy.
Mice typically don’t get sick from Zika, so the researchers bred mice that were genetically vulnerable to the virus. “You can also call the health department and we’ll talk to you about whether you should get tested for Zika”, said Butler.
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The health department is encouraging anyone who has visited South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Pacific Islands and parts of Miami-Dale County, Florida to check for symptoms of the virus.
