A multidisciplinary group of experts convened by the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) is in El Salvador this week to exchange experiences and support national efforts to respond to the Zika virus outbreak in the country.
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Despite the lack of definitive evidence proving that Zika causes birth defects and neurological problems, Chan said officials should not wait for definitive scientific proof before making recommendations.
Chan also said that new reports “strongly suggest” sexual transmission of the Zika virus is more common than previously thought. The main mosquito species that spreads the virus resides in 13 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These suspicions regarding Zika virus’s sexual transmission came after the extensive studying that the World Health Organization has been doing in the most affected regions.
Chan said nine countries are reporting an increase of cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome and that some labs have seen an increase of the syndrome in patients with Zika symptoms.
There’s alarming new evidence today about the impact and spread of Zika virus.
Brazil has been hardest hit by the Zika outbreak, with some 1.5 million people infected and 641 confirmed cases of microcephaly in children born to women infected with the virus while pregnant.
The Zika outbreak across Central and South America has got many looking for a solution.
The 55-year-old Montgomery County woman who tested positive for the virus “experienced a very mild illness”, Arkoosh said, and did not require hospitalization.
Zika, an infectious viral illness, is primarily spread through the bite of a mosquito that carries the virus.
“The mosquito is undoubtedly still the main driver of transmission”, he said. Zika has been increasing in recognition in Brazil, Mexico and most recently in Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the US Virgin Islands. Brazil is investigating an additional 4,231 suspected cases of microcephaly.
“My message is that Zika does not only affect pregnant women, and is not necessarily benign”, said Lannuzel.
If the partner isn’t pregnant, men “might consider” abstaining or using condoms, according to the guidelines.
The PAHO said Zika can be transmitted through blood, but this is an infrequent transmission mechanism.
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“As people are thinking about service projects and mission trips and any number of other things that may take them into Zika virus-infected areas, it’s important for Kentuckians to start to think about what the impact might be in our state”, he said.
