- August 5, 2016
- Posted by: emobile
- Category: News
Emobileclinic Health News
In a recent news release by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Zika virus infections can be caused by bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
According to Tom Frieden, “all the evidence we have seen indicates that this is mosquitoborne transmission that occurred several weeks ago in several blocks in Miami. “We continue to recommend that everyone in areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present – and especially pregnant women – take steps to avoid mosquito bites. We will continue to support Florida’s efforts to investigate and respond to Zika and will reassess the situation and our recommendations on a daily basis.”
Zika virus spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus), but can also be spread during sex by a person infected with Zika to their partner. Most people infected with Zika do not have symptoms, but for those who do, the illness is usually mild. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other severe fetal birth defects.
CDC has been working with state, local, and territorial health officials to prepare for locally transmitted Zika infection in the United States. Officials from Florida participated in all these activities, and their experience in responding to mosquito-borne diseases similar to Zika, including dengue and chikungunya, has helped guide their current investigations.
In mosquito season, it is important to encourage everyone, especially pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant, to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Remember to use an insect repellent registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, use or repair screens on windows and doors, use air conditioning when available, and remove standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
The CDC pledged her commitment to learning more about Zika virus, and also working hard to find out more about these cases. Here are some facts about Zika virus: Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy or during birth. Zika virus infection can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects, and is associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes. A person who is infected with Zika virus can pass it to sex partners.
