Last month, the Wyoming Department of Health confirmed a case of Zika in a Louisiana resident traveling through Teton County. In July, the USA reported its first locally transmitted cases of Zika in the southern state of Florida.
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Florida is reporting more cases of Zika spread by Miami mosquitoes, but the governor says the infection zone is shrinking.
The Zika virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Taiwan has confirmed its fifth imported case of Zika virus infection, a 27-year-old Taiwanese man who appeared to have contracted the disease in the Caribbean, the country’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said Friday.
The CDC advises pregnant women not to travel to an area where active Zika transmission is ongoing, and to use insect repellent and wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts if they are in those areas.
Zika virus in pregnant women has been linked to the severe birth defect microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with smaller than normal heads and can result in developmental disabilities, seizures, feeding problems, learning issues and vision loss.
However, health officials are not expecting more outbreaks, specifically in southern US states, which are prone to mosquito-borne diseases.
Puerto Rico reported the first microcephaly case acquired on US soil in May, involving a dead fetus that a woman turned over to health authorities.
The most important message, Drenzek said, is to protect pregnant women, who should be “well aware where Zika transmission is ongoing”.
Infected individuals may not experience symptoms, but symptoms may include mild illness for two to seven days with fever, joint and muscle pain, skin rash, and redness of the eyes.
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. A third person in Palm Beach County has also tested positive for Zika. “This is something we need to take seriously”. They’ll also be looking for standing water sources and active mosquito sites in the area.
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Her response echoes that of many Congressional Democrats, who are frustrated the House left for vacation without passing viable legislation to fund Zika efforts.
