Zika Virus: Virginia Cases Now Number 69

As of Thursday, the Virginia Department of Health has reported 69 cases of the Zika virus disease in Virginia residents to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

A baby affected by Zika virus may be born with significant health issues, like microcephaly, according to the CDC. Others may not have apparent symptoms at birth, but may develop them over time, according to health officials. As of Aug. 18, the CDC reports 584 cases in pregnant women. In all, 2,487 travel-related cases have been reported in the United States and 29 locally acquired mosquito-borne cases.

Of the 69 Zika cases reported in Virginia, the Northern Virginia suburbs has seen 36 cases of the Zika virus reported, the most of any health region in the Commonwealth.

Following the Northern Virginia suburbs are:

• Central region: 11
• Southwest region: 8
• Northwest region: 7
• Eastern region: 7

All Virginia cases are associated with travel to a Zika-affected area. CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

The Zika virus is now being spread locally in Florida. The Florida Department of Health has identified two areas of Miami-Dade County where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes.

A pregnant Florida resident recently announced that she was moving to Virginia to stay with family members until her baby is born in order to avoid the possibility of contracting the Zika virus in Florida.

Also read: Combating Zika: Medicaid to Cover Cost of Mosquito Repellent

Read more here about the Zika virus, from the CDC.

PHOTO of mosquito courtesy of CDC