Two people have died from complications of the virus and 90 were hospitalized, according to Puerto Rico’s department of health.
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The move is an indication of the severity of the virus in Puerto Rico, which is being hit much harder than the continental United States.
The federal government declared a state of public health emergency in Puerto Rico Friday, with Zika threatening to spread to 25 percent of the island’s population.
“Claims that a product repels the mosquitos that carry Zika, or otherwise protects users from Zika or another mosquito-borne disease, must be supported by well-controlled human clinical testing using the species of mosquitos that carry the disease in question, and must demonstrate that the effects last as long as advertised”, FTC noted.
The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) has received confirmation of the fifth case of Zika virus disease in Shelby County in an individual who traveled to one of the affected areas and is now symptomatic. In a late-afternoon conference call, Stewart said as part of a “spill the water campaign”, classroom materials were being distributed to teachers and administrators across the state so that they can encourage students “to take simple steps in order to help prevent Zika”, including removing standing water, using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.
“This administration is committed to meeting the Zika outbreak in Puerto Rico with the necessary urgency”, Burwell said in a statement.
University Health Network infectious diseases specialist Isaac Bogoch said the full range of health issues related to Zika still isn’t clear, and doctors will be closely watching babies who have been infected to see if cognitive problems emerge as they grow.
Earlier this month, the first cases of locally acquired Zika infection were confirmed in the Miami-area Wynwood neighborhood.
Should You Worry About Zika virus?
While the continental U.S.is unlikely to experience the explosive spread seen in the Caribbean and Latin America, Zika could have major impacts on a new generation of American infants, the economy and the stability of worldwide governments. There have been 13 cases in pregnant women.
Zika is contracted most often through the bite of the Aedes mosquitos which acts as a carrier transmitting the virus-first biting a human infected by the virus, then carrying the virus in its system, biting someone not-infected and infecting them. She also said that besides the 7,350 cases reported thus far, there have been “15 infants born with Zika-related birth defects such abnormal brain development and other serious defects in children born to infected mothers”.
Secretary Burwell declared the public health emergency under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act.
The package was floated after months of debate following President Barack Obama’s request in February for $1.9 billion in additional funds to combat Zika.
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The CDC advises pregnant women not to travel to an area where active Zika transmission is ongoing, and to use insect repellent and wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts if they are in those areas.
