Experts will discuss the individual and public-health implications of Zika, along with prevention and containment strategies.
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WHO: An expert panel will include: Dr. Kyle Gardner, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Sarasota Memorial Hospital; Michael Drennon, epidemiologist at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County; Matthew Smith, director of Sarasota County Mosquito Management; and Dr. Vilma Vega, an infectious disease specialist.
In February, state health officials confirmed the first case of the Zika virus in MI. The infections were reported hours after Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced that mosquito control activities had been effective in reducing the size of the area where Zika transmission is ongoing.
While most people who contract Zika suffer no symptoms, the virus is considered to be particularly unsafe for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects including microcephaly – a condition in which infants are born with small heads.
A study released yesterday by the University of Florida reports that, although the majority of Sunshine State tourists are concerned about Zika, only about 7 percent of them have changed or canceled their plans to travel here as a result of the outbreak. More than 1,000 pregnant women in Puerto Rico have been infected.
Locally, officials have warned for months that it was only a matter of time before Sarasota County identified cases of the Zika virus in local residents.
The US Secretary for Health and Human Services on Friday declared a state of emergency in Puerto Rico because of the widespread transmission of the Zika virus, which poses a “significant threat” to public health.
Health authorities say they believe the number of Zika cases is much higher because eight of 10 people show no symptoms and many don’t go to the doctor.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) – The U.S. territory of Puerto Rico has reported 1,914 new Zika cases over the past week.
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Officials are urging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
