'Zika Virus' Update; New York Has 5 Babies Positive With Virus; Health Department's Full Action Details Here

Global communities continue to combat the rising threat of "Zika Virus". Each region implemented strategies on protecting the territory versus"Zika". This virus quickly spreads in populous places, the reason why travel advisories have been issued.

A classification can be considered 'epidemic' if the 'Zika Virus" is new to the area, meaning nobody in the location has acquired the illness, another verifying factor is the presence of mosquito carrying Zika virus roams within the area and the immunity vaccine is not yet available in the area.

The mosquito responsible for viral transport is the Aedes aegypti, which are iniquitous to human, and lives within the community.  The growing number of babies affected by "Zika" is ballooning even in New York City. July 2016 when the city had the first infant born with Microcephaly, an illness related to the effect of "Zika Virus". The child is reported to have unusually smaller brain. This condition leads to psychomotor development concerns.

According to the Health Department, over 200 infants were born from Zika virus infected mothers. Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett, says out of 8,000 New Yorkers who underwent Zika testing, 962 got positive results, where 325 of them are expectant moms.  Basett says, the "Zika" effect on adults is quite manageable as it is only manifested with flu-like symptoms, rash, joint pains, eye redness and fever.  While "Zika Virus" on babies, have deterrent effect on their health and mental development. 

Statistics revealed 14 infants in New York City were "Zika Virus" positive.  Sadly, five of them acquired congenital Zika virus syndrome.  This illness would mean taking a lifetime toll on the children's quality of life and their family as well.

The Health Department continues to remind everyone the risk of acquiring "Zika Virus" especially to the new born babies.