Florida Has Nine Confirmed Cases Of Zika Virus

The local Red Cross so concerned about the Zika virus, they are asking anyone who has traveled to countries in Central and South America, where the virus has a strong presence to not give blood for a month after returning.

In a first reported case for the USA, it was reported a man infected with the mosquito-borne disease in Venezuela returned to the U.S. and subsequently infected his sexual partner. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has also stated that in case any man has even travelled for a few days, it would be advisable not to have any kind of sexual relation with him, for the time being.

Although rarely fatal, there has been an exponential rise in cases of a rare birth defect in Brazil, thought to be linked to the virus.

The Georgia Department of Public Health has confirmed the first travel-related case of the Zika virus in the state.

“There are many things we don’t know about Zika”, Mr Hartl said.

The ADPH is advising testing to be done on anyone who has traveled to an infected area and is showing symptoms of the virus.

Scott noted in an executive order that the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits Zika is common in Florida, where a warm climate provides for a almost year-round mosquito season.

Florida is, therefore, particularly focused on pregnant women who have been advised not to travel to areas where the virus is present.

The case has caused researchers to further investigate the possibility of the Zika virus being sexually contracted.

Since October, there have been 404 confirmed cases and 3,670 suspected cases of microcephaly, where a baby’s head is abnormally small and their brain is often underdeveloped. Health officials think Zika might be connected to the rise in birth defects in the Americas, though it has not yet been proven.

The biggest concern is the risk that the virus may pose to unborn babies, so that means protecting pregnant women or women who may become pregnant is of paramount importance.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – On Monday, the World Health Organization declared a “public health emergency of global concern” over the Zika virus.