Florida reports first three Zika virus cases

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the insect that transmits the viruses that can spread zika fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever. However, health officials are advising the public not to worry, as all of the USA cases so far were contracted overseas from mosquitos in countries affected by outbreaks.

Last week a baby born with microcephaly in Hawaii became the first newborn to test positive for the Zika virus on United States soil.

El Salvador’s vice minister of public health, Eduardo Espinoza, said women who are already pregnant should stay covered up while outdoors to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

It said that while there is no evidence to suggest that pregnant women are more susceptible to Zika virus infection, they can be infected in any trimester.

In Brazil, the suspected number of cases of microcephaly continues to rise, reaching 3,893 since authorities began investigating the surge in October, Health Ministry officials said yesterday. The virus is transmitted by mosquitos and can spread from a pregnant mother to her fetus.

The Zika virus’ impact on unborn babies remains somewhat of a mystery. On Wednesday, three cases of Zika virus, Florida’s first, were recorded in people who had recently traveled in Latin America.

The rapid spread of the tropical disease is especially unsafe to pregnant women.

Microcephaly patients have smaller than usual heads and their brains don’t develop properly. Zika virus often produces flu-like symptoms like fever, headaches and joint pain as well as skin rashes and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

According to the CDC website, Zika outbreaks have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas, particularly Brazil. The countries included are Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haití, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico and Panama. The illness is typically mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week, according to the CDC.

Experts say there’s a lot people can do to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including removing any standing water from containers where mosquitoes breed.

So when there are mosquitoes about, follow the normal guidelines to keep yourself safe, use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeve clothes and hats.