Zika Virus Confirmed In 3 Pregnant Floridians

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Three pregnant Floridians who have traveled to other counties have officially tested positive for the Zika virus, the Florida Department of Health reported Wednesday.

The announcement of the three new cases involving pregnant women brings the total number of cases confirmed in Florida up to 32, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong said. Cases have been confirmed in several counties throughout the state, including Hillsborough County. The state is not releasing the counties in which the pregnant women live.

“Based on CDC guidance, several pregnant women who have traveled to countries with local-transmission of Zika have received antibody testing and of those three have tested positive for a history of Zika virus infection,” Armstrong said in his daily Zika virus update. “Out of respect of the privacy of these women, no counties or additional information will be shared. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika affected areas.”

Armstrong said of all the state’s travel-related cases, only three patients are still exhibiting symptoms of the virus. Symptoms typically last between seven and 10 days.

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Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. According to the state, only about one out of five people infected with Zika are symptomatic. While the illness typically resolves within a week, some severe cases may require hospitalization.

It is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Several reports have linked Zika in mothers with microcephaly in infants. That condition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, is a potentially life-threatening birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected.

Aside from mosquitoes, Zika can be spread through sexual contact in some cases, the CDC notes.

While Florida’s cases to date have originated through foreign travel, the state urges residents and visitors to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

To help residents resolve questions about the virus and its spread, the state has set up a Zika Virus Information Hotline. That number is 1-855-622-6735. The hotline has fielded more than 683 calls since it was launched Feb. 12, the state reported.

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