Kenya threatens to pull out of Rio Olympics over Zika threat

The World Health Organization has declared an worldwide health emergency in connection with the Zika virus, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control is recommending that women who are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant avoid travel to regions, including Brazil, which are hard-hit by the virus. Georgia health officials also recently confirmed a case of Zika virus in the state.

Sandusky said the committee had held internal discussions with US sports leaders about the potential risks that the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had identified with travel to Zika-infested areas.

To that end, President Barack Obama plans to ask Congress for $1.8 billion in emergency funds for mosquito control, foreign aid to hard-hit countries, and research on tests and on a vaccine, which does not exist. Only one in five people infected develop symptoms.

Although sexual transmission of Zika virus infection is possible, mosquito bites remain the primary way that Zika virus is transmitted, according to the CDC. However, imported cases among infected travelers visiting or returning to the United States may result in the spread of Zika in some areas of the country.

Just a few short days ago, talk of the Zika virus, which is linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains and heads, primarily in Brazil and throughout Latin America, seemed like a distant problem. So far, the only recent case that has been transmitted within the U.S.is believed to have occurred in Texas through sex.

Doctors now say the Zika virus can spread through urine and saliva.

Kenya threatened on Tuesday to pull its elite runners and other athletes out of the Rio Olympics unless it got assurances they would not be exposed to the Zika virus outbreak in Brazil.

Deputy Director Tyler Brock says Siouxland District Health is receiving several calls daily about the Zika Virus.

Davis says the most important thing you can do is educate yourself on ways to avoid things that can attract more mosquitoes.

Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness, typically leads to a relatively mild disease, whose symptoms include a rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis and fever.

No longer is Zika an obscure virus.

As a proactive response, the ministry has developed and disseminated guidelines to guide general practitioners, obstetricians and other health care providers in the clinical management of women who have the zika virus during pregnancy.