Zika testing urged for pregnant women visiting Miami-Dade

Author: Associated Press
Published: Updated:
James Gathany / CDC / MGN

NEW YORK (AP) – U.S. health officials are now recommending Zika testing for all pregnant women who recently spent time in Florida’s Miami-Dade County.

The county is the only area in the continental U.S. where mosquitoes have been continuously spreading the virus since the summer. The test is recommended for pregnant women who lived in – or visited – Miami-Dade since August 1, whether or not they have symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent out the advisory Wednesday.

Zika is mainly spread by mosquitoes. Infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects.

The Florida Department of Health said it confirmed two new non-travel related cases of the virus Wednesday in Miami-Dade County, bringing the total to 165. The department also confirmed a travel-related case in Sarasota County.

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