FRSNO (KMJ) – Two babies are born in California with a birth defect relating to the Zika Virus.
The State Health Department confirmed Thursday, that two babies have been born in California with Microcephaly, a neurological defect relating to the Zika Virus.
“We’re still learning a lot more, how it’s affecting people differently, and traditionally. We’re seeing infants they have Microcephaly – a smaller head than normal – and so this is very concerting.” – David Luchini, Fresno County Health Department.
The babies’ mothers are among the 21 pregnant women in the state who contracted the zika virus while traveling.
“If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, we always suggest strongly that you delay going to one of these countries, but if you can’t, make sure you’re doing the stuff, once again, the mosquito repellant make sure you’re going to places with air conditioning, maybe even mosquito netting, and then you may want to talk to your provide because they may still want to recommend Zika testing.” – David Luchini
114 travel-associated cases of Zika have been reported in 22 California counties — including Fresno.
Zika Virus: is a mosquito-borne flavivirus transmitted by Aedes aegypti and possibly Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors also transmit dengue and chikungunya virus and are found throughout the world, including parts of the United States, California and Fresno County. Local transmission of Zika virus has not been documented in the continental United States. However, Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and recently in the Americas. Infections have been reported in travelers returning to the United States. With the recent outbreaks in the Americas, the number of Zika virus disease cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States likely will increase. These imported cases may result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the continental United States, including Fresno County, especially as we enter the mosquito season.
Zika virus infection can cause fever, maculopapular rash, arthralgia or conjunctivitis within 3-7 days of exposure. Clinical disease usually is mild and self-limited. However, during the current outbreak, Zika virus infections have been confirmed in several infants with microcephaly and in fetal losses in women infected during pregnancy. – FRESNO COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
