Oxitec genetically modifies the males of a species of mosquito known as Aedes aegypti so that their offspring die young, helping limit the spread of Zika, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and other pathogens carried by the pests.
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There were more than 7,300 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in the USA and its territories.
So far, Florida is the only state with local transmission of the Zika virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Tom Frieden says the aerial spraying is designed to knock down the mosquito population and create a safety buffer zone around this small area where 14 people have become infected with the Zika virus since late July.
In addition to mosquitoes, the Zika virus can be transmitted through sex.
The California Department of Public Health announced today that the first two infants with Zika virus-related microcephaly – a devastating birth defect – have been born in California.
State health officials said Florida’s Zika count was 408 infections as of Thursday afternoon, including 15 locally transmitted cases and 55 cases involving pregnant women.
One new non-travel related case of the Zika virus was reported from Wynwood in Miami-Dade County.
While Zika has become a major concern on the east coast, a spokesperson with Lee County Mosquito Control said Thursday that the agency has not detected any domestic Zika activity in weeks. A total of 21 infections have been confirmed in pregnant women.
It’s the 16th non-travel related case in that area of Miami’s Wynwood arts district.
According to CDC officials, it is critical for these states and territories to be able to quickly detect microcephaly-a serious neurological birth defect characterized by a smaller than normal head-and other adverse outcomes caused by the mosquito-borne illness.
More information on how to avoid Zika infection can found online. “The cases also highlight that pregnant women and those considering pregnancy face great risk to their fetuses”.
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The Louisiana Department of Health issued the update Friday.
