FDA recommends testing all donated blood in the U.S. for Zika

“Even if somebody here didn’t travel, but they are sexually active with someone who did travel to one of those areas, it’s possible that it could be transmitted through sexual intercourse”, Dr. Todd said.

Another disease to keep in mind as mosquito season continues: Earlier this week, Maryland officials confirmed the first case of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus in the state this year.

Marks said that within four weeks, 11 other states will be implementing Zika screening due to their locations or because of the countries from which travelers are arriving. Zika virus can also spread from a mother to a child during pregnancy or birth, through sexual transmission and, in rare cases, from blood transfusions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been only 29 locally acquired cases – not acquired during global travel – in the US and all have been in Florida.

Florida began testing its blood supply after two small clusters of Zika infections developed in the Miami-Dade area. Roche Molecular Systems’ Cobas Zika test became available in April, and Hologic Inc.’s Procleix test was put to use for Zika screening in June. Close to 2,500 travel-related cases have been reported in the U.S.in that same time. To date, the only mosquito transmitted cases of Zika virus reported in Arizona have been from people who have traveled to Zika infected areas. During a Zika outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013 and 2014, almost 3% of blood samples from people with no sign of infection were found to contain the virus, which could have been spread to others through routine infusions.

Gov. Rick Scott said he’s “disappointed” that Congress hasn’t done more to help Florida in the fight against the Zika virus.

The tropical mosquito that spreads Zika and other viruses is found in the southern U.S. While health officials have predicted that mosquitoes in the continental U.S. would begin spreading Zika this summer, they also have said they expect only isolated clusters of infections and not widespread outbreaks.

The federal agency today revised its guidance on Zika testing and is recommending that all donated blood in the United States be tested.

The expansion isn’t effective across the country immediately, but should be started within 12 weeks.

Zika can cause severe brain damage in babies whose mothers are exposed to it during pregnancy.

Her male partner had been bitten by mosquitoes during his travel but had no signs of Zika infection, which typically include rash, red eyes, fever and malaise, He told officials he had only felt exhausted, which he attributed to travel.

FDA officials said they do not anticipate any problems supplying the tests throughout the U.S.

Florida is the only US state with Zika infections that can’t be linked to travel. On Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced a locally transmitted case in Pinellas County near Tampa Bay, while Palm Beach County reported its second local infection on Wednesday.