The state previously halted the spread of chikungunya and dengue viruses, which are also spread by the mosquito, said Christ. The virus, which usually triggers only mild, flu-like symptoms, is mainly spread by two species of Aedes mosquito but can also be transmitted through sexual contact. This disease occurs in babies of mothers who are infected with the Zika Virus while pregnant.
Advertisement
Three Zika cases have been reported in the state. Microcephaly is the abnormal development of the brain in infants.
Travelers to areas with cases of Zika virus infection are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus. “Zika infection during pregnancy causes a severe birth defect called microcephaly”, says Dr. McCabe, who describes the condition as an underdeveloped head and damaged brain.
The Centers for Disease Control include MS, along with much of the Southeast, in their estimated range of the mosquitoes. “For individuals of reproductive age planning vacations or service trips to areas of the world where the disease is endemic, information provided at this Town Hall meeting will be invaluable”, said Rodney Glotfelty, Garrett County Health Officer. But in the a year ago, infections in pregnant women have been strongly linked to fetal deaths and to potentially severe birth defects, mostly in Brazil. The virus can cause birth defects if pregnant women are infected.
The latest CDC update points to 157 pregnant women in the US with evidence of a possible Zika virus infection.
A new case of travel-related Zika has been confirmed in Lee County, one of four new cases reported Wednesday by the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee.
Global travelers to areas with active Zika transmission who develop fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis within two weeks of return to Kentucky should consult with their medical provider.
Using the new registries will provide a more complete picture of the effects of Zika on pregnant women in the United States, Honein added.
Advertisement
Even if only 1% of Zika-infected babies develop microcephaly, that could overwhelm the health systems of developing countries that aren’t equipped to care for severely disabled children, said Amesh Adalja, a senior associate at the Center for Health Security at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The state is providing free Zika prevention kits to pregnant women, which include educational materials, insect repellent, condoms and larvicide tablets.
