To protect their privacy, the state is not revealing the names or locations of the women. The birth defect called microcephaly can signal underlying brain damage. A new case was reported in Seminole County on Tuesday.
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From Monday, anyone being tested in Queensland for dengue fever would be tested at the same time for Zika virus.
“Brazil is investigating more than 4,100 additional suspected cases of microcephaly, ” she said.
Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly.
She said, “Things may get worse before they get better”.
Other Latin American countries are seeing cases in newborns.
Mr Dick said although the virus, linked to birth defects, hadn’t been found in mosquitoes in the area, a small number could be infected following the most recent case.
According to the GDPM, as many as 44 countries and territories have so far announced Zika virus cases, including three deaths in Venezuela and two in Brazil.
The agency did not say exactly how numerous women were pregnant, but it reiterated its recommendation that people returning from Zika-infected areas use condoms or abstain from sex for the duration of their partner’s pregnancy.
“Don’t be surprised to see microcephaly reported in other parts of Brazil”, WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, as Reuters reported.
The Florida Department of Health won’t say where in Florida the cases were confirmed, but all were contracted while traveling outside the U.S.
“Any pregnant women in the area who may be concerned should also visit their local GP to discuss testing options”, he said. The Centers for Disease Control are advising pregnant women to avoid traveling to regions where Zika is found.
Health officials will also be door-knocking the Rockhampton area on Thursday to speak with pregnant women.
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The women had all traveled to countries where the virus is spreading quickly. It is not typically serious for people who contract it, mainly consisting of mild symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes. The World Health Organization declared the virus and its suspected affect on unborn babies a public health emergency on February 1.
