First baby with Zika-related birth defect microcephaly born in Florida

Pregnant women are being advised not to travel to countries where Zika is spreading.

Zika virus is primarily spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes, but it also is spread sexually.

That brings the US totals, as of June 23, to seven babies with microcephaly or other Zika-related birth defects such as serious brain abnormalities, and five lost pregnancies from either miscarriage, stillbirth or termination.

Although state health officials said Zika is not an immediate threat to Hawaii, they are still preparing for the mosquito-borne virus, in case it spreads to the state.

The mosquito behind the Zika virus seems to operate like a heat-driven missile of disease.

Owens said the city will set 10 traps throughout the city that are specifically created to entrap mosquitoes carrying the virus.

Of the cases confirmed in Florida, 18 are still exhibiting symptoms. Scott directed state Surgeon General Celeste Philip to oversee distribution of the money to county health departments, local mosquito districts and laboratories for training, mosquito surveillance, and the purchase of Zika prevention kits from the CDC.

The news comes as President Obama urges Congress to pass a Zika prevention bill after being briefed Friday by top health officials at the White House. The virus also can cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a potentially deadly type of paralysis.

The connection between Zika and microcephaly first came to light last fall in Brazil, which has now confirmed more than 1,400 cases of microcephaly that it considers to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. He criticized lawmakers for “playing politics” with public health. Those who have tested positive for Zika, or with sexual partners who were infected with the virus, are encouraged to either abstain from sexual contact or use condoms for up to 6 months after testing positive. Infants with microcephaly tend to have abnormally small heads and may experience potentially disabling developmental problems.