Brazil links three deaths to suspected Zika-related complications

Officials said the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will post a weekly update online on further Zika cases, including information on whether the person was infected locally or overseas. It causes rashes and fevers, though one in five people show no symptoms. There is scant evidence in the limited studies on the disease of it being linked to fatalities.

The health directors also said transferring Ebola supplement to Zika is not practical, “we still need to identify new characteristics of Ebola”, said Frieden, “Ebola is still not over”. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus then spread the virus to other people through bites.

New York City will soon be offering blood tests for those concerned they may have been exposed.

There is now no cure or vaccine for the virus which, in most people, causes mild symptoms.

Last week the CDC issued its own detailed recommendations for preventing sexual transmission of the virus, including the suggestion that men who have traveled to Zika-affected regions consider abstaining from sex with their pregnant partner for the duration of the pregnancy.

A pregnant woman in Queensland state has tested positive for Zika virus announced by an Australian health authorities.

Dr Taylor said the virus could be transmitted sexually and pregnant women or couples trying to conceive who have travelled in affected areas should watch out for symptoms.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) co-sponsored legislation on Tuesday that would direct unspent federal dollars to fight the spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

The 25-year-old mother, who requested a termination after a prognosis of severe brain disease in her baby, had lived and volunteered in Natal, northeast Brazil, before becoming pregnant.

The CDC’s chief pathologist had earlier told the STAT website that about three U.S. women suffered miscarriages as a result of contracting Zika virus from outside the country, but did not offer any supportive details of the incident.

He likened the virus to other mosquito-born tropical illnesses.