The Zika virus is typically transmitted via mosquitoes, and is especially unsafe during pregnancy because it can cause the birth defect microcephaly – where babies are born with a small head and underdeveloped brain.
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“Burwell… do hereby determine that a public health emergency of national significance exists within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico relating to pregnant women and children born to pregnant women with Zika”, the statement noted on Friday. CDC is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus transmission. Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters. “Nevertheless, we are trying to develop a cure for that percentage that does get Zika-related microcephaly”, said study corresponding co-author Zhen Zhao. Florida health officials say there have been at least 25 local Zika infections.
“The hope is there will be less and less as Canadians become more aware of the risk”.
The Obama administration said Thursday that it will transfer $81 million from existing federal health programs so there’s enough money to continue trials of a Zika vaccine.
Health authorities say they believe the number of Zika cases is much higher because eight of 10 people show no symptoms and many don’t go to the doctor.
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Men and women living in Puerto Rico and other areas where Zika is spreading should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites to avoid being infected with Zika virus and to prevent further spread of the virus. “It’s appropriately low, but it’s not zero”. “This emergency declaration allows us to provide additional support to the Puerto Rican government and reminds us of the importance of pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and their partners taking additional steps to protect themselves and their families from Zika”. Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners.
