Some $6.87 million in federal funding has been allocated, including $5 million for mosquito control in local districts, the department said. "Every community that has requested funding has received an allocation and we will continue to work closely with them to meet their needs". It also can also be spread by sex, prompting public health officials to advise that people who have been infected refrain from unprotected sex for several months.
"Our hope would be that within a year to 18 months, we might be able to have a vaccine", said Vivek Murthy.
Researchers will observe the volunteers during a 44-week period after their first dose, to monitor their health and determine if the vaccine is safe. "This emergency declaration allows us to provide additional support to the Puerto Rican government and reminds us of the importance of pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and their partners taking additional steps to protect themselves and their families from Zika".
The Caribbean island of about 3.5 million people has recorded 10,690 laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika, including 1035 pregnant women, but the actual number of infections with the mosquito-borne virus is likely higher, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said in a statement.
Scott's office also announced that the health department has declared four blocks in the southwest corner of Wynwood to be clear of infections as preventative measures continue, in addition to another 10-block section cleared last week.
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At that time, Zika was pretty much contained to Central and South America and nearby American territories, particularly Zika-plagued Puerto Rico. Brazil has reported the vast majority of cases and the birth defect microcephaly. Spokeswoman Ariel DeWitt says more supplies were ordered for clients living in the woods, in tents or on the streets.
Precautions include using insect repellants, treating clothing with the chemical permethrin, and staying in places with air conditioning and window screens.
Statistics on the latest test results carried out by health care officials reveal that about a quarter of all Zika cases in the United States are obtained in New York City. "All I can say is the travel advisory is still in effect", CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said. More than 1, 000 of the total cases have been pregnant women. Yet, the risk for pregnant women can be tragic.
For people who travel to places with active transmission of the virus, authorities are recommending that they try to prevent mosquito bites while overseas, but also when they return.
This Q & A will tell you what you need to know about Zika.
