State health officials have not confirmed the locations of Zika patients in Pennsylvania, although the Allegheny County Health Department has reported none in the county. The experts say screening women who visited or lived in affected countries during the outbreak period could “flood the CDC”, and it was not feasible.
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Health officials said the Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
Women who are pregnant and have sexual partner(s) that have traveled to areas with Zika are advised to abstain from sex or use condoms consistently for the duration of the pregnancy.
Of the $1.9 billion President Barack Obama has requested of Congress in emergency funds to control the spread of Zika, $250 million will be spent in Puerto Rico.
Common symptoms of the virus include fever, joint pain, a rash and red eyes that can last from several days to a week after being bitten. Prior to travel, Fulton recommended patients consider getting the vaccines. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild and many people might not realize they have been infected.
The US Virgin Islands Department of Health has confirmed two additional cases of zika on St Croix, bringing the total to six cases.
In a brief letter sent out March 2, the Napa County Public Health Division say it received confirmation from the California Department of Public Health of the positive result.
The link between Zika virus and microcephaly has not been confirmed, but health officials said the concern is strong enough to encourage people to take measures to protect fetuses.
“This is a constantly changing and evolving situation”, Chan said.
The vast majority of Zika infections have been transmitted by a mosquito that is not found in the Philadelphia region. If you must travel to an affected area, talk to your health care provider first.
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The number of pregnant women returning to the United States with Zika infections acquired overseas has been rising, according to the CDC.
