Although Zika is usually a minor illness, and many people who are infected may never know it, the virus has been shown to cause birth defects if a woman contracts the disease while pregnant. The mosquitoes that transmit Zika aren’t found in the Pacific Northwest so health officials don’t expect the virus to spread. More than 6,150 people have been tested for infection, with 683 found to have current or recent traces of Zika in Puerto Rico.
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According to the Department of Public Health, on March 30 she returned to CT and saw her doctor, who tested her for the Zika virus. Those diagnosed with Zika or present the symptoms of the virus should use condoms or refrain from intercourse for 6 months after the onset of symptoms. It’s important for men who have traveled to an area with Zika to follow CDC’s guidance to prevent sexual transmission of Zika, even if they don’t feel sick.
GBS is a sickness of the nervous system in which a person’s own immune system damages the nerve cells, causing muscle weakness, and sometimes, paralysis.
Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that his agency is working to begin a clinical trial for a Zika vaccine in September, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The test results were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Given the possible link between infection with Zika virus and microcephaly, pregnant women should be advised to consult with their OB/GYN to discuss further evaluation.
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According to the Florida Department of Health’s daily update, there were three new cases confirmed statewide on Tuesday. “In light of Puerto Rico’s healthcare crisis, we are proud to announce we’ve donated 1 million condoms to our neighbors, and we will continue our campaign focusing on Zika prevention for pregnant women and worldwide travelers”. There is little partisan difference on this question or on one asking about whether the government should be spending more money on Zika research.
