Zika Virus USA Update: Health Officials Confirm Five Americans Infected; Includes Two Pregnant Women

Zika virus has already started causing panic to some Americans as health officials confirm five cases in the country. Wall Street Journal reported the mosquito-borne virus infected five citizens already, including two pregnant women in as far north as Illinois.

Although the virus is not known to be fatal in adults, scientists have already confirmed that it can cause birth defects and miscarriage.

The two women who recently traveled to Latin America are currently under the supervision of health officials. The Illinois Department of Public Health or IDPH has already warned residents to be careful when traveling abroad.

The director of IDPH, Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., said that people in the states should not worry about getting infected within the country because the virus can only be transmitted via a mosquito bite.

"But since this is a time of year when people travel to warmer climates and countries where Zika virus is found, we are urging residents, especially pregnant women, to take preventive measures when traveling in affected countries and check health travel advisories," he said.

In earlier reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC has already issued a travel advisory for pregnant women traveling to countries that are known to have the mosquito-borne virus.

Meanwhile, the other three patients who were infected with the virus are from Florida. They all came from their vacation from Latin America before they showed symptoms of Zika.

A person who has been infected with the virus will experience fever, rash and red eyes.

Hawaii.gov reported an infant that was born in the island was confirmed by the Hawaii State Department of Health or DOH to have Zika-related condition. The baby, who appeared to have a malformed head, was immediately tested and found positive to have microcephaly.

The mother of the child is reported to have lived in Brazil in 2015 and it was during that time that the baby acquired the virus.

Dr. Sarah Park, DOH State Epidemiologist, said that what happened to the mother and her child was very unfortunate. She also emphasized the importance of the travel advisory issued by the CDC to protect Americans from acquiring the virus.

"We are saddened by the events that have affected this mother and her newborn," she said. "Mosquitos can carry serious diseases, as we know too well with our current dengue outbreak and it is imperative that we all Fight the Bite by reducing mosquito breeding areas, avoiding places with mosquitos, and applying repellant as needed."