Zika Virus warnings for pregnant moms

You're excited for your spring break trip to Florida, but now that governor has declared a State of Emergency because of the Zika Virus, I ask a local doctor if we need to cancel travel plans.

Spring Break isn't that far away and if you plan on heading south to Florida or Mexico, you might now be worried about the Zika Virus. Here's the good news -- most of us don't have to be concerned.

The State of Florida is now stepping up mosquito elimination and education and has even declared a state of emergency after several people were diagnosed with the Zika Virus contracted in other countries.

Zika is being linked to a serious birth defect, which is why pregnant women are being told to stay home from certain places.

"For people who are not pregnant go on your trip just use insect repellant," says Henry Ford infectious disease Dr. Tricia Stein from Henry Ford Hospital.

She points out that for travelers who are not worried about pregnancy, a Zika infection can be a minor nuisance.

Most of the people who get infected with Zika don't even know it. Those who do have mild symptoms, such as a fever, rash, red eyes and/or conjunctivitis.

Here's more good news, the particular mosquito that is spreading the virus in dozens of Latin American countries isn't found in Michigan.

This is an aggressive, daytime biting mosquito, also bites at night, but mostly during the day, and hangs out around buildings and standing water.

To understand where the virus is right now, click here http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/ for more information. 

  • Popular

  • Recent

Stories you may be interested in - includes Advertiser Stories