Three Pregnant Women In Florida Test Positive for Zika
Three Pregnant Women In Florida Test Positive for Zika
Florida state health officials have reported that three pregnant women have tested positive for the Zika virus. This brings the total cases for the state to 32 as of February 23rd.
All of these cases, including those involved with pregnant women, were acquired while traveling outside of the country. Pregnant women are considered high-risk when it comes to the Zika virus because of its suspected link to the birth defect microcephaly in babies. This is what led to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel alert for pregnant women who are considering going to areas with known Zika transmission. The guidance is simple—don’t go.
Florida officials seem to be doing what they can to stay ahead of the Zika virus, especially with the news of these new reported cases. This involves ordering more Zika tests from the CDC. Testing for the virus is key, since the majority of those who are infected with the Zika virus experience no symptoms
“I appreciate that the CDC has previously supplied Florida with these antibody tests and I ask that the CDC take immediate action to fulfill this request so we can continue to stay ahead of the possible spread of the Zika virus in Florida,” Florida Governor Rick Scott said in a statement.
Have you been staying up to date on all the Zika news? Are you hopeful the CDC will be able to make tests for the virus available to all? If you’re concerned about mosquitoes in your area, check out our mosquito control services.