That’s because the virus has been linked to birth defects and neurological problems.
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On Tuesday, Texas, U.S. reported the first case Zika being sexually transmitted after the patient reportedly had sex with someone who returned from Venezuela.
“We have to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of the Zika virus in our state”, Scott said in a statement.
The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel advisory for affected countries in Central and South America, the Caribbean and Samoa and Cape Verde.
All aircraft returning to the United Kingdom from countries now affected by active Zika virus transmission will be sprayed with insecticide as part of the United Kingdom government’s response to the disease.
The Washington, D.C. Department of Health revealed Thursday afternoon that three residents are infected with the virus, including a pregnant woman.
Doctors should talk to women of childbearing age about strategies to prevent unintended pregnancy when Zika is a risk, including approaches to family planning and the correct and consistent use of effective contraceptive methods.
While the alert is focused on pregnant women, the CDC is also making sure men who travel to Zika-prone areas are aware that they can pass it on by having sex with their partner. Any pregnant women showing symptoms should be tested, the agency said.
With global concern over the Zika virus growing, health officials are warning pregnant women to be careful about who they kiss and calling on men to use condoms with pregnant partners if they have visited countries where the virus is present.
The virus is mainly spread by a certain type of mosquito not yet seen in the U.S. Only about one in five people who get it will become sick and the symptoms are mild.
The people most seriously affected are pregnant women and their fetuses.
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Thousands of children in Brazil have been born with shrunken heads in the past year – a birth defect that could result from Zika infection, though a definitive cause has not yet been proven.
