Since Zika virus is mainly spread through mosquito bites, the centers for disease control and prevention urge travelers to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites in the first place. Broward County has reported 17 cases of Zika.
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In most cases, the Zika virus spreads to humans via bites from Aedes species mosquitoes carrying the virus.
Of the cases confirmed in Florida, four are still exhibiting symptoms, which can include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes lasting seven to 10 days.
“The major thing that we have to do is, for people who travel, and I travel overseas a lot for my work, so when we go there, use the repellent all the time”, says Leal.
Florida recently modified how it counts Zika infections in pregnant women, including those who were asymptomatic. The latest vision findings, published online May 25 in Ophthalmology, add to a growing body of evidence about how Zika may affect children’s eye development and vision.
Blood samples from pregnant women wait to be analyzed for the Zika virus at a hospital in Guatemala City on February 2, 2016.
Sexual transmission is also suspected, health authorities say, and has been reported in other countries. The Zika virus has spread to more than 40 countries in the Western Hemisphere.
“Two months from now, for sure, I would anticipate us seeing a pretty significant change based on the Olympics and what that may bring to the United States”, said Dr. Ginger Cameron, professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University.
“It’s been mentioned by the CDC that they’re just not quite sure what’s going to happen this summer as viruses mutate and mosquitoes become more active”, said Swofford.
Mention mosquitoes and talk of the Zika virus is likely to follow. When released into the wild, they mate with females and produce nonviable offspring, thereby reducing the mosquito population without the need for pesticides.
The Zika virus can cause birth defects in pregnant women who are infected. “We have now the technology to control the mosquito in an urban environment and focus as a priority”, he said.
“Women who have not traveled who are contemplating pregnancy, it’s their partner”.
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“The ability to test residents for Zika and similar viruses will further enhance New Jersey’s preparedness and response to this evolving health emergency unfolding in the Caribbean and Central and South Americas”, Acting Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett said in a statement.
