FOX43 : reported that Puerto Rico declares the Zika epidemic over

× Puerto Rico declares the Zika epidemic overThe Zika virus epidemic that's been plaguing Puerto Rico for the past year is over, the governor's office announced Monday. Its recommendation that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant not travel to areas with Zika, including Puerto Rico, remains in effect. But there have only been 10 new cases reported since the end of April, according to the Puerto Rico Department of Health. The Puerto Rico Department of Health has reported only 38 cases of Zika-related birth defects. As of May 20, the most recent data available, the Puerto Rico Department of Health reported (PDF) 40,330 confirmed cases of the Zika virus since the outbreak began last year.

Puerto Rico declares Zika epidemic to be over

Health officials and experts have expressed concern about underreporting of birth defects in Puerto Rico. (Allison Shelley for The Washington Post)Puerto Rico's Zika epidemic has ended, officials said Monday, noting substantially fewer new cases this spring. Cemeteries like this one in San Juan are perfect breeding grounds for the mosquito that can carry dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. The island has been the part of the United States hardest hit by the mosquito-borne virus, with authorities counting more than 40,000 confirmed cases of Zika infection as of May 20, including 3,678 pregnant women. In the continental United States, with 1,579 Zika-infected pregnant women, there have been 80 pregnancy losses or babies born with birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Puerto Rico declares Zika epidemic over

The Puerto Rico Department of Health has reported only 38 cases of Zika-related birth defects. As of May 20, the most recent data available, the Puerto Rico Department of Health reported (PDF) 40,330 confirmed cases of the Zika virus since the outbreak began last year. Among those cases, there have been 52 Zika-related cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome , a type of temporary paralysis that is caused by viruses including Zika. Four hundred twenty-two of those infected have been hospitalized, and five individuals have died.


collected by :Lucy William
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