He could not say how many were still sick or how many had returned to the United States.
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The Zika virus disease, or Zika fever, is caused by the mosquito-borne Zika virus, the symptoms of which can include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headaches that normally last for two to seven days, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It was previously reported to be only 15 cases.
But the Zika virus is different from Ebola and swine flu and all the other highly publicized epidemics in recent years in one way: It’s the only medical threat that could overshadow the Olympics.
For privacy reasons, no information about the pregnant service member or the condition of her unborn child was released.
In May, the DoD provided $1.76 million in extra funding to military laboratories to expand Zika virus surveillance worldwide.
The Zika virus has been linked to birth defects including microcephaly.
All of the cases occurred in men and women serving overseas in areas where the disease already has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control, The New York Times and CNN reported Wednesday, citing Pentagon spokesman Maj.
Military personnel are advised to follow the same rules as civilians to protect themselves in mosquito-infested areas, such as wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellant. Mosquito eradication is also taking place on bases.
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As of May 18, a total of 544 Americans, including 157 pregnant women, inside 50 states have been diagnosed with Zika, according to CDC statistics. This has resulted in finding over 200 populations of Zika carrying mosquitoes in stateside military installations, from Texas in the west, to Florida and as far north as NY, says the pentagon.
