US Zika Virus Cases Hit 20 in Florida, 3 Confirmed in Alabama; Outbreak in America Unlikely
New Zika virus cases push the numbers higher in the United States, but is it cause for panic already?
Rising Numbers in Florida, Alabama
The latest update from the Florida Department of Health confirmed two additional cases in the state, bringing the total number of Zika patients in Florida to 62, which is the highest in all of the states in the country.
There are scattered numbers throughout the East coast state, nearly half of the confirmed Zika cases in Florida are in the Miami-Dade County with 30 people suffering from the virus. Four of the patients are pregnant women, although it wasn't revealed which counties they reside.
So far, all of the Zika patients in the United States acquired the mosquito-borne virus through travel-related means, but the department is urging the citizens to be vigilant and cautious. The health officials advised the people to drain standing water at least once a week since even the smallest amount can be used as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. They're also encouraged to use insect repellents when outdoors.
Meanwhile, Alabama has also issued an update on their figures with two more cases bringing the state's total to three people with the Zika virus. These two recently-confirmed patients were reported in the counties of Jefferson and Shelby. The first was revealed last month in Morgan County.
Doctors Downplay the Outbreak Threat
Despite the concern over the increasing number of Zika cases in the country, U.S. doctors remain calm in the face of the virus. Director of Women's Services at Memorial Hospital Jill Bodden revealed to Florida Times Jacksonville that although the doctors at the hospital are fielding more questions from pregnant women, they remain calm.
Karen Harris, a Gainesville-based physician and the chair of District XII of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, explained that there is a good chance the United States will fare better than other countries when it comes to the Zika problem.
"I don't think that we will have as much of a problem that countries in Central and South America have because we do a better job at mosquito control," she said.
"[Mosquito control] would be critical for the Department of Health to make sure they are controlling the mosquito populations," fellow physician Mobeen H. Rathore agreed, adding that aside from better mosquito control, the country's living conditions and health care system will prevent the virus from becoming a major threat as it is in other countries.
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