Pregnant women advised to avoid part of Miami after Zika outbreak

After the announcement last week that the Zika virus is being transmitted by mosquitoes in Miami, health officials have warned pregnant women to avoid part of the city.

14 locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus have been detected so far in the U.S., affecting two women and 12 men. The area affected is the trendy up and coming neighborhood of Wynwood, Miami, known for its rich artistic culture.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has now issued advice warning pregnant women and their partners against travel to Wynwood – and any pregnant woman who has visited the area since June 15 should be tested for the Zika virus.

Over 1,000 cases of the Zika virus had previously been detected in the U.S however the vast majority of these were the result of travel to a country affected by Zika. The latest cases were found to have been transmitted by local mosquitoes.

It is the first time in the CDC’s 70 year history that the organization has warned against travel within America due to infectious disease.

You can read the full statement of advice here.

IMG: Zika Mosquitoes (05810440), IAEA Imagebank / Flickr cc.