Twenty-five of those cases involve local transmission of the disease. They are testing for the virus, removing standing water where mosquitoes thrive and spraying insecticides.
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The virus appears to increase the risk for a miscarriage, though researchers are not certain why as of yet. Like local officials, Murthy stressed that Puerto Ricans need to take the virus seriously, even though the extent of the infection is masked because eight out of 10 show no symptoms. The former are mainly concentrated in the southern USA, including Florida, Texas and Southern California.
“One concern is that if it has an affinity or an attraction to the nervous system of the fetus of a pregnant woman, it can develop an affinity for the nervous system in an adult”.
“Data from this case suggest a prolonged potential for sexual transmission”, the authors added. The vast majority of the cases were from people who traveled to a Zika-prone country, such as Brazil. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
Scientists are still looking for effective biomarkers to indicate when a pregnant woman who has been infected with Zika needs intervention.
Zika virus infections in pregnant women are directly linked to fetal deaths and devastating birth defects such as microcephaly, when a baby is born with an abnormally small head, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Each year the program sets traps weekly at more than 60 sites around the city to monitor the number and types of mosquitoes found locally.
Those who have traveled to Zika-affected areas should take precautions to help prevent spread of Zika upon their return.
The World Health Organization included the case of “congenital malformation associated with a travel-related case of Zika virus infection” in its weekly Zika report.
“Without having successfully enacted any funding to fight Zika, Republicans shut down Congress for the longest summer recess in at least 60 years”, said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.). Checking every week is recommended.
Some charities also hand out mosquito repellent. Follow the product instructions closely when using and reapply as directed to ensure ongoing protection.
Bug repellant, long sleeves and trousers and staying indoors are good ways to avoid the infection.
Use and fix window screens.
Check for clogged rain gutters and clean them out.
– Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or in an area without door and window screens. “This public health crisis is no place for politics”.
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Overall, some 61 cases of Zika infections were registered in Italy, and 1,136 in Europe up to August 5, according to data by the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC).
