The CDC is now monitoring 400 pregnant women in the U.S. that have exhibited laboratory evidence of the Zika virus. This marks an increase of more than 50 cases from the previous numbers released by the organization on July 15. Additionally, there have been 12 infants born in the U.S. with Zika-related birth defects such as microcephaly.
As of July 20, there have been a total 1,404 cases of the Zika virus documented in U.S. states. All have been associated with travel except for one which was contracted in a laboratory setting. While two possible locally acquired cases are currently under investigation in Florida, none have been confirmed. Also, there have been a total of six pregnancy losses consisting of miscarriages, stillbirths and pregnancy terminations related to the virus.
Fifteen of the travel-associated cases were transmitted sexually. The first ever female-to-male sexual Zika transmission was recently reported in New York.
As mosquitoes continue to thrive in the summer heat and the number of Zika infections in the U.S. continue to climb, Congress remains on recess after failing multiple times to reach a bipartisan compromise on the passage of emergency funds to combat the spread of Zika.
More articles on the Zika virus:
Google charts Zika worries by tracking searches: 3 things to know
Brazil launches app for Olympians to self-monitor, report Zika
First ever female-to-male sexual Zika transmission reported in NYC