Zika is a virus spread mainly by mosquitoes, but in rare cases via sex.
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According to the World Health Organization, there is scientific consensus that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly in infants, a birth defect characterized by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems, and Guillain-Barré syndrome – a neurological disorder that could lead to paralysis and death. “That is the link between why Zika is such an important disease to monitor because of women and their children”.
So far Zika has not been found in any of these Australian mosquito populations but at the beginning of September the Department of Health reported 44 Australians had tested positive for Zika contracted overseas, including one pregnant woman. Each location will be at a private residence so the kits will be easy to monitor and replace on a weekly basis.
It says failing to act quickly will jeopordize both health and the health of the U.S. economy.
Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. “Although it is not certain that these types of close contact were the source of transmission, family contacts should be aware that blood and body fluids of severely ill patients might be infectious”.
Free Zika virus testing is now being offered for Miami Beach residents at the Miami Beach Police Department.
“It remains unclear how (the son) was infected”, the report states.
It was the first time Thailand’s health ministry has confirmed the number of Zika cases this year. Thailand is one of several south-east Asian countries where Zika has now been reported.
The CDC report cautions other family caregivers that the virus can be spread by blood and bodily fluids of Zika patients.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Samuel Williams-Rodriguez said in a press release that of 14 new test results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency, known as CARPHA, five returned positive.
An estimated 80 per cent of people infected have no symptoms, making it hard for pregnant women to know whether they have been infected. Luckily, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has received funding from the Center for Disease Control through three grants, which total $1.2 million.
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Because of the threats posed by Zika virus, the DOH has urged all local government units to step up environmental cleanup and get rid of mosquito breeding sites.
