LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) — The number of confirmed Zika cases has grown in Michigan to 62 cases, including two pregnant women.
That’s up from 45 confirmed cases statewide, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 7.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says all cases in the state are travel related. Health officials say no Zika infected mosquitos have been found in Michigan, but are common in tropical areas and some parts of the country. The virus can also be transmitted sexually by infected people, who may be asymptomatic.
The Zika virus has been linked to microcephaly and severe brain defects in infants born to infected mothers. The MDHHS advises pregnant women to take the following precautions:
- Avoid traveling to areas where Zika is actively transmitted
- Try to avoid situations where you may be bitten by a mosquito
- Use condoms during sex
Non-pregnant women who travel to areas with active Zika transmission are encouraged to wait at least eight weeks from the start of symptoms or the last possible exposure.
Men in the same situation are advised to avoid conception for at least six months. If they have a pregnant partner, health officials say they should practice safe sex every time or abstain during the pregnancy.
Health experts say the most common symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Zika has also been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
—-Online:Zika in Michigan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
