Two additional Alabama residents confirmed with Zika virus

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDEF) – The Alabama Department of Public Health reports the second and third confirmed travel-related cases of Zika virus in Alabama residents.

In addition to the three positives, there have been 40 other submissions received with 28 test results pending as of today.

Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of Aedes species mosquitoes. Recent reports state that Zika virus may also be spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact. Rarely, the virus may spread from mother to infant around the time of birth. It also may be possible to spread the virus from a mother to her baby during pregnancy.

Infection with the Zika virus causes only mild symptoms in the majority of the cases, but certain birth defects have been associated with infection during pregnancy.

The Center for Disease Control recommends the following concerning the virus

• Pregnant women should not travel to Zika-affected areas.
• Revised guidelines allow pregnant women to travel to places at higher elevations in outbreak regions. This is because the mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus are rare at higher elevations because of the lack of humidity and other conditions.
• Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have pregnant partners should abstain from sex or consistently and correctly use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy for all forms of sexual activity.
• Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have non-pregnant partners should consider abstaining from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms.

Since the outbreak is ongoing, the public is asked to check for updated travel notices at the CDC website, cdc.gov, search Zika.