The CDC reported that there were 683 lab-confirmed current or recent Zika infections between November 1 and April 15.
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Suriname has also reported one case of Zika-related ITP, and French Polynesia reported four such cases, but all of these patients survived.
Sharp added that the relationship between bleeding and Zika might be similar to that which occurs between Zika and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. She said three other cases of the condition known as severe thrombocytopenia have been reported in Puerto Rico, and that those patients recovered successfully.
“We had expected to see a case appear in SC eventually as more people vacation to countries where the Zika virus is actively spreading”, said Teresa Foo, M.D. and DHEC medical consultant.
“What this means is it broadens access by patients and physicians to quality testing in the United States as well as Puerto Rico”, said Wendy H. Bost, director of corporate communications for Quest.
The CDC has confirmed that the virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.
Symptoms include fever, rash, joint or muscle pain and conjunctivitis.
After he was infected with Zika, “he developed bleeding manifestations” and was hospitalized. The World Health Organization has estimated the virus will infect 4 million people in the hemisphere by year’s end, according to The Washington Post. “Quest’s expertise in molecular, infectious disease and women’s health diagnostics…allow us to quickly make useful tests widely available for clinical use”.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced 5 million U.S. dollars in funding to 20 health clinics in Puerto Rico to combat the Zika virus. The virus, mainly spread through mosquito bites, causes mild illness or no symptoms in most people. Rius said all 14 pregnant women infected with Zika who have given birth have healthy babies. The virus is spread through mosquito bites.
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“We do not have the mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus”, said Karen Holbrook, the county’s deputy health officer. Until more is known, CDC continues to recommend that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant take the following precautions.
