Zika Virus: 1 New Case Reported This Week in Northern Virginia

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- The Virginia Department of Health announced Thursday that one new case of the Zika virus was reported in the northern area of the Commonwealth this week. That brings the total number of cases reported in Virginia to 27, with 16 of those reported in Northern Virginia.

The cases were contracted in countries where the Zika virus is carried by mosquitos. The Centers for Disease Control has issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is also possible, scientists have discovered.

The Zika virus is reported to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers' contract the virus. Three women in the United States have given birth to babies with Zika-related birth defects, according to the CDC. The disease has been linked to several kinds of birth defects, including microcephaly. A study by the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that Zika also causes women to have a higher chance of miscarriages and stillbirths.

The U.S. House early Thursday passed a $1.1 billion funding bill to help combat the Zika virus but the proposed legislation still awaits a vote by the Senate.

In the video below, Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H., Fairfax County Director of Health, discusses the Zika virus:

PHOTO of mosquito courtesy of CDC