Thirty-one cases of the mosquito-born Zika virus have been confirmed across 11 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C., according to a Thursday briefing from the CDC.
The virus usually causes mild symptoms, except for in pregnant women when it can result in serious birth defects. Currently, the CDC is advising pregnant women to avoid traveling to Zika-affected areas. The organization also issued an interim guidance on how to handle treatment for infants and pregnant mothers who may be carriers. Although diagnostic tests for Zika are poor and no vaccine exists, growing concerns about the virus have spurred major resource investment in research to change that.
Additionally, the American Hospital Association has published a readiness advisory for hospitals should they be required to treat patients who test positive for Zika.
More articles on Zika virus:
Zika update: Spread warning, travel alerts, pregnancy recommendations
Zika vaccine may be available for emergency use in 2016
Researchers call for more action from WHO on Zika threat