CDC is recommending that men who have recently traveled to regions with local Zika transmissions use condoms or refrain from sexual contact with pregnant women or women who could become pregnant.
Advertisement
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is endemic to north Queensland and has also been found in some towns in the state’s central and southwest. For weeks, the spread of the virus into new areas has generated headlines globally. As this is the time many Michiganders travel to warmer climates it’s vital to be aware of the risk of contracting the virus. That will help protect from Zika and other viruses transmitted by mosquitoes.
The woman, who is 61 and not pregnant, began experiencing symptoms consistent with Zika shortly after returning to Michigan earlier this month, said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Angela Minicuci.
The virus was confirmed to be in blood samples from two women, using a method that detects pieces of the virus’ genetic material, say doctors from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes are common symptoms. A news release says all three cases are believed to be travel-related.
After Brazil, Colombia has been hardest hit by Zika infections with the country’s health officials reporting on Wednesday a probable case of microcephaly possibly linked to Zika in an aborted fetus. There is no cure or treatment for Zika infection. Which country was not specified and no further details about the woman have been disclosed. Zika virus illness is usually mild in children.
“… I want pregnant Queenslanders to know that we are committed to talking to them, emphatically, sensibly and with clear information that is backed by science”.
The real concerns with Zika lie with potential birth effects when an expecting mother contracts the virus.
Zika is rapidly spreading through Latin America, and scientists are studying the virus’ possible connection to babies born with unusually small heads.
Prior to last year’s outbreak of the virus in Brazil, Zika had only been seen in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Although Zika is not now being spread by mosquitoes in the continental United States, cases of Zika virus have been reported in returning travelers.
The other 12 cases are all women (several of whom are pregnant), but haven’t been confirmed yet, and sexual transmission of the virus is said to be very rare.
Two Houston research hospitals have developed a test that can diagnose Zika in a day, they announced Tuesday.
Advertisement
Governor Rick Scott has now requested the Center for Disease Control send 250 additional Zika antibody tests to Florida.
