Salt Lake County Health tweeted the county had seen the first Zika-related confirmed death in the Continental U.S.
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The Fresno County Health Department has confirmed the first travel-related case of Zika virus in the City of Fresno.
“The laboratory tests conducted in Utah were positive for Zika but the exact cause of death has not been determined”, added the CDC with no further details on the case.
Meanwhile, the Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also stepped in and in order to stem the spread of the virus across the USA announced that it would award $25 million to various states to help 53 Zika virus-affected areas to fight the virus. But it can cause severe birth defects in the fetuses and babies of women who are infected during their pregnancies.
Although mosquito species capable of transmitting Zika virus are found in certain regions of the continental USA, the CDC has identified zero Zika infections transmitted by local mosquitoes.
According to CDC figures, there are 320 cases of infected pregnant women in the United States. The virus can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.
“I want to make sure that everybody in Fresno County is re-doubling their efforts to protect themselves from mosquito bites, both here at home and when they travel”. Officials say they may not be able to determine how the virus may have contributed to her death.
Even in areas of the continental United States where mosquitoes capable of carrying Zika virus are found, health officials have not identified any Zika infections transmitted by local mosquitoes. Classic symptoms include fever, rash, and red eyes, according to researchers. It was contracted by a woman who had traveled outside of the U.S. Officials, at the time, said the woman was 55 but did not disclose any additional information about her.
Since the beginning of the year, DHSS has regularly updated health care providers and the public about Zika virus in addition to coordinating the approval of Missourians for testing.
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There have been no reports of Zika being locally transmitted by mosquitoes in Dallas County.
