Four Zika cases found in New York among returning travelers

No transmission of Zika virus infection has occurred in California or any other USA state but the virus has always been present in Africa and Asia, and it’s caused alarm after appearing previous year in Brazil, where it’s suspected of causing birth defects.

Flathead County Health Department Director Joe Russell tells us that a person in Northwest Montana traveled to an area where the mosquito born virus has been found and then reported their trip to health officials upon return.

It has been reported by The Independent that several people in Germany had tested positive for the virus, as well as cases confirmed in Denmark and Britain.

But the worst hit by the virus is Brazil where more than 1 million cases had been recorded the past few months.

The World Health Organization says it is convening an emergency committee on Monday to decide if the Zika virus outbreak should be declared an global health emergency.

Health watchdogs in a string of European countries meanwhile said they had recorded Zika cases dating back to as early as March 2015. United Airlines said customers can get refunds or change their flight without a fee, while American Airlines is offering refunds to pregnant women.

Dr. Lowery said while the pregnant woman may show mild symptoms, the unborn child is most at risk.

Zika virus is a relatively new mosquito-borne virus that has connections to a neurological disorder that causes birth defects in babies. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to avoid being bitten, it said.

But now the National Travel Health Network and Centre is urging others to also seek advice before travelling to one of the affected countries.

The common symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, according to the CDC.

“Royal Caribbean will assist any pregnant women who do not feel comfortable sailing to countries affected with the Zika virus by providing alternate itinerary options”, a statement says. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.