CDC ships Zika test for pregnant women; Puerto Rico at risk

The health directors also said transferring Ebola supplement to Zika is not practical, “we still need to identify new characteristics of Ebola”, said Frieden, “Ebola is still not over”.

Health experts suggest any pregnant woman who has travelled to countries with the Zika virus should see a general practitioner immediately.

Despite the invasive mosquitoes’ prevalence in the region and across the state, health officials agree that an outbreak of Zika virus is unlikely in California. They asked for emergency funding from Congress to battle an outbreak that is quickly spreading through Latin America.

Global health officials are closely monitoring the spread of the virus and the incidence of suspected neurological complications.

The United States Olympic Committee is expanding its efforts to reassure athletes and staff over concerns about the Zika virus as they prepare to head to Brazil this summer.

U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, who incidentally was at a hearing today about President Barack Obama’s request for $1.8 billion to fight Zika, said in a statement she’s “deeply concerned” about the spread of the virus.

If someone is actively infected, the CDC has a test that diagnoses Zika fairly well.

Two more people have been infected by the Zika virus in Florida, including one more person in Miami-Dade County, Florida Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong said Thursday. It might reflect prior infection with related viruses instead.

In its advice, the Geneva-based World Health Organization said women in areas with the virus should protect themselves, especially during pregnancy, by covering up against mosquitoes and practicing safe sex through the use of condoms.

Lehigh University has confirmed one of their students has tested positive for the Zika virus. Those thought to have been infected could then have ultrasound scans to monitor their fetus’ development, the Associated Press reported.

Some governments have advised women to delay getting pregnant. “Based on what we know now, the primary threat is to unborn children”.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika.

“If they’re seriously ill, we would check it”, Irwin said.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman, died last April, the ministry said.