NBC notes that there are twelve known cases in the United States of infants born with Zika-related microcephaly, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
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Around 1,300 cases of Zika have been recorded in the continent of US and in Hawaii, but none of these have reported to be caused by a mosquito bite.
Research into the Zika virus is ongoing; there is now no vaccine.
Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain.
City health officials said the case was a reminder for pregnant women of the potential effects of the virus.
Mosquito control patrols have shifted into high gear after two cases of Zika were confirmed in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The infant was born this month to a mother who was infected elsewhere, while in an area where the disease is actively spreading, health officials said as they added to its growing toll in the United States.
Officials said the health department is working closely with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on the case.
While Zika’s appearance in mosquitoes in the USA mainland is likely, health officials don’t expect widespread outbreaks like those seen in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Our local, state and territorial health departments are on the front lines in the fight against Zika, and though the necessary funding that is needed isn’t yet available, we can not wait to provide this essential support”, said CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden.
“The virus has been found to be a cause of severe birth defects including a condition called microcephaly”, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said, “where the head and brain of the child are underdeveloped”.
The virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes or less frequently sexual contact.
Plan for travel – If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, avoid areas with the Zika virus. While all 353 confirmed cases involve people who contracted the virus while traveling, the state is also investigating two possible cases that are not travel related. “As we learn more, our interventions, recommendations and risk assessments will evolve to reflect new knowledge”.
The scientists said in a statement that Zika traces were found using methods which identify ribonucleic acid from the virus.
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Zika virus during pregnancy can be more serious.
