Zika virus continues to infiltrate the U.S., with a total of 1,825 reported cases in the U.S. as of Aug. 3, and 497 pregnant women with evidence of Zika virus infection as of July 28, according to the CDC.
The mosquito-borne virus is of particular concern for pregnant women, as the virus can cause microcephaly and other neurological birth defects in infants. As of July 28, 15 babies in the U.S. have been born with birth defects related to Zika, and there have been six pregnancy losses with birth defects as well.
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Of the 1,825 total Zika cases reported to the CDC, the majority (1,818) were travel-associated. For the first time this week, however, U.S. case counts include locally acquired mosquito-borne cases. According to CDC numbers, there have been six such cases as of Aug. 3, but previous reports from Florida health officials put that number at 15.
Because mosquitoes are now transmitting Zika in Florida, the CDC issued an unprecedented travel warning for pregnant women to avoid an area of Miami with active Zika transmission.