The illness is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but investigators have been exploring the likelihood of sexually transmission of the virus. In addition, men who have visited an area with the Zika virus should use condoms if they engage in sexual intercourse with a pregnant woman – for the entire duration of her pregnancy.
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With the rising number of cases and now the Zika related deaths, many are concerned over the 2016 Olympic Games that would be held in Brazil this year.
Because the virus is such a new health concern, so far only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a few states can actually diagnose an infection. The Venezuelan government has also yet to release a statement on the conditions of pregnant women in the light of the Zika outbreak.
Pregnant women are not at higher risk of becoming infected more so than the general population, but the effects of infection are much more risky and dramatic to her unborn baby.
Broward County reported a new case of travel-associated Zika on Monday, bringing up the state’s total from 20 to 21.
Under a scorching sun in the neighborhood of Zepellin in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, which will host the Olympic Games in August, Rousseff said everyone needed to take part in the battle against the mosquito carrying Zika, suspected of causing the birth defect microcephaly. The patient recently traveled to El Salvador.
Brazilian researchers have developed a highly accurate molecular test that can detect the Zika virus in samples of blood, saliva or urine within five hours.
Travelers are advised to use mosquito-repellents with active ingredients and permethrin-treated clothing.
Health officials believe all of the cases are from people who contracted the disease while traveling to affected countries.
Though most people infected with the virus do not manifest any signs of infection, pregnant women and those who plan to get pregnant should report if they experience any discomfort.
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There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, which causes mild fever, rash and red eyes.
