The aedes aegypti mosquito, not known to be present in South Australia, transmits Zika virus.
Advertisement
In addition, on March 1st, the Department of Health is reporting 4 new confirmed cases of dengue, bringing the total for 2016 to 7. Both traveled to a Zika-affected country.
“When you’re traveling to places were there is Zika virus transmission going on, you need to be aware of what precautions you need to take”, Rowe said.
Health officials encourage pregnant women to cancel or postpone traveling to affected areas or talk to their doctor before considering travel to those countries where the virus is rapidly spreading.
Scientists in Brazil say the increase in microcephaly is linked to an explosion of the mosquito-transmitted Zika virus, with an estimated 1.5 million people infected.
CDC officials also said they were investigating 10 additional reports of pregnant travelers with Zika, but the Washington state case is not included in that count, said Dr. Scott Lindquist, the state epidemiologist for communicable disease.
According to the latest update from the Iowa Dept. of Public Health, the three cases of Zika were lab-confirmed.
The virus is suspected of having strong links to microcephaly, severe brain damage among newborns characterized by abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. Men also can spread Zika through sexual contact, and women can pass it to their fetus or newborn near birth.
The Zika virus causes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes, and is typically a mild illness.
Chief medical officer Professor Paddy Phillips said the man acquired the virus overseas and there was no risk to the public in SA.
For anyone who does plan to visit the affected countries, the best approach to avoiding Zika virus infection is prevention.
The Utah Dept. of Health said steps to prevent mosquito bites include using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers and removing standing water where mosquitoes live and breed.
Advertisement
Bobinsky added the mosquitoes that transmit Zika are not found in New Hampshire.
