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Zika Researcher Contracts Virus After Accidentally Pricking Herself With a Needle

On Thursday the World Health Organisation advised women living in areas where Zika was being transmitted to delay getting pregnant, advice already given by several countries where the virus is in widespread transmission.

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Mosquitoes that can transmit the Zika virus have been found to live in almost all USA states, according to maps released this week by authorities trying to assess the public health threat. It is the first time when someone got the virus through a needle stick, they added. It happened on May 23, and she developed the disease symptoms on June 1, as per the officials.

Frieden offered the information while reviewing available resources for states during a video conference call with governors and local officials from nine states identified as most at risk for local transmission of the virus, according to a statement from the Department of Health and Human Services. She is just following the recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

It also can be sexually transmitted by infected males vaginally, anally and orally, so DE health officials are urging men who have been diagnosed with Zika or have symptoms of the virus to use condoms for at least six months after symptoms first appeared.

Almost 700 infections have been reported in USA states.

In response to the WHO’s new guidelines, the CDC said health care providers should discuss Zika’s risks and how to prevent infection, and provide information about contraception.

People who contract Zika virus may have symptoms like rash, fever, red eyes, headache, joint pain and muscle pain.

“On advice of the ACHD (Allegheny County Health Department), the researcher is complying with a request to wear long sleeves and trousers and wear insect repellent for three weeks from the date of contact.We want to remind residents that, despite this rare incident, there is still no current risk of contracting Zika from mosquitoes in Allegheny County”.

To reduce the chance of virus transmission, the Pittsburgh researcher is using insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites, besides wearing trousers and garments with long sleeves.

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The Zika virus has put health officials across the globe in a hard position about giving advice to couples wanting to start a family.

Zika Virus Map