Pregnant Connecticut Woman Diagnosed With Zika Virus

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Officials say a Connecticut woman who traveled to Central America and became pregnant while there has been diagnosed with the Zika virus. The state Department of Public Health announced Tuesday that it contacted the woman’s physician in Connecticut with the test results, which were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Aedes aegypti mosquitos are seen in a lab at the Fiocruz institute in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The mosquito transmits the Zika virus and is being studied at the institute. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) The department says the woman became ill with a fever and a rash while traveling about a month ago. The department says the woman has since returned to Central America. The agency is working to contact her to ensure she and her family receive proper medical care. She’s the first pregnant woman in Connecticut to be diagnosed with Zika. The virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to serious birth defects and miscarriages. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health News Connecticut zika Zika Virus Source Type: news