3 Cases of Zika Virus in DC: Reports

WASHINGTON, DC -- The District of Columbia Department of Health has confirmed three cases of the Zika virus, according to The Washington Post and several other media outlets.

One of the three cases is a pregnant woman, according to the reports; all had traveled either to Central or South America. The CDC has said the virus could cause neurological birth defects. Studies are under way to investigate the association of Zika virus infection and microcephaly, the CDC has said.

The Voice of America reported this week that the type of mosquito that carries the Zika virus, the Aedes aegypti, has been found previously in DC.

The DC Department of Health issued an announcement about the Zika virus:

“The DC Department of Health (DOH) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor and track Zika virus infections in DC residents. It is important for residents to remember that there is no immediate threat to their health and well-being if they have not traveled to the known affected areas. However, we must all stay well informed and be cautious when traveling internationally. DOH has created a webpage that will be regularly updated, with a fact sheet on the Zika Virus and other key information to ensure that all DC residents are engaged and informed.”

This week the first case of Zika virus transmitted in the United States was reported in Texas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed to Patch, and local health officials say the infection was spread through sexual contact.

Read about about the Zika virus from the Centers for Disease Control and interim guidelines from the CDC for pregnant women here.