Except for the 16 confirmed cases in the Miami area, the other 1,825 infections reported in the USA have been linked to travel to countries in Latin America or the Caribbean with Zika outbreaks. Tests confirmed the viral infection. Initial symptoms include fever, rash and joint pain, but there are concerns for pregnant women infected with Zika and passing it onto their unborn children. Here’s what you need to know about the virus.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that a field trial testing Intrexon Corp’s genetically engineered mosquitoes, meant to be used in the battle against Zika, would not have a significant impact on the environment.
As for the rest of the state, Bergen and Passaic counties have 15 cases each, the most for any of the 14 counties with reported cases as of Thursday.
State health leaders say the mothers contracted the virus while traveling overseas – and there are no reports of the virus being locally transmitted.
An aircraft took off Saturday morning from Miami Executive Airport in order to complete an aerial spraying over the Zika Zone in the hopes that it will help stop the spread of the virus. Obama requested $1.9 billion three months ago for several purposes, including creating a vaccine for the disease, taking steps to control the mosquitoes that spread Zika and helping other countries battle the virus.
Both individuals are doing well, according to health officials.
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.
Public health environmentalists have been working with communities across the state to reduce mosquito breeding.
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More information on how to avoid Zika infection can found online.
