Zika Virus Scarier Than First Thought Says Centers For Disease Control
DETROIT (WWJ) - So far there have been more than 300 confirmed cases of Zika in the United States, all associated with travel.
Now, a new warning from US health officials regarding the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the Zika virus is scarier than initially thought and they need additional funding to fight it reports WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.
Experts say the mosquito carrying virus is more of a concern for pregnant women and their babies then previously thought.Dr. Mark Zervos is an infectious disease expert with Henry Ford Health System.
"It's not just the microcephaly but there have been various other birth defects including heart problems, pre-mature birth, eye and hearing problems, impaired growth - that have been reported," says Zervos. "The other alarming part of pregnancy is that infection during any part of the woman's pregnancy has been associated with these birth defects."
The CDC is hoping to have a vaccine ready for trials in September, but it would probably be a couple of years before a vaccine was ready for the general public.