This Years First American Zika Victim Has Experts Concerned
This Years First American Zika Victim Has Experts Concerned
Just as many people were beginning to breathe a sigh of relief concerning the spread of the Zika virus in the United States, experts are once again concerned. A man, who has not been identified, has been diagnosed with the Zika virus. According to medical experts, this man is no longer capable of spreading the virus. The man is believed to have contracted the virus in the state of Texas. What is troubling experts is the fact that this man’s virus was transmitted within the United States, as the victim had not traveled to locations outside of the US.
This particular Zika case is the first case of infection within the US since last fall. The victim became infected in the county of Hidalgo near the Mexican border. The virus was transmitted at some point during the last three months. Luckily, the virus normally disappears from the blood of its victims within a couple of weeks after the first signs of recovery. However, the virus can linger in sperm for months, which is the primary concern, as pregnant women and their babies suffer the worst consequences of this virus. Medical professionals have not mentioned the sex of the infected individual.
As a result of this most recent case, medical professionals with the Department of Public Health are increasing Zika control efforts. And doctors in the area have been asked to keep their eyes open for any further cases, as health officials do not want to take even the slightest of risks.
The Pan American Health Organization has reported continuing cases of Zika transmission within most regions of Mexico. The bulk of Zika cases have been reported in southern Mexico, but northern Mexico has not been seeing any marked decrease in Zika cases since last year. In order to keep Americans safe from Zika it is necessary to combat the virus within the country of Mexico as well. Unfortunately, not a lot of progress is being made when it comes to Zika control in Mexico.
If America sees an increase in Zika infections within its own borders in the future, do you believe that poor Zika control within Mexico will be to blame?