HONOLULU – A baby born in an Oahu hospital has tested positive for the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
Health officials say there is no risk of transmission in Hawaii, where there has never been a case of a person acquiring Zika in the state. Six people have acquired the virus in other countries since 2014.
Get weekly health news
READ MORE: What pregnant women need to know about Zika virus and travel
Common symptoms can last up to a week and include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the mother was likely infected while in Brazil in May 2015.
- Nova Scotia aims to reduce mammogram wait times, enhance women’s health care
- Anthrax outbreak kills more than 50 animals, infects 12 people in Zambia
- Childhood Cancer Canada calls for $15M from feds as demand rises
- ‘E-dirt bikes are not toys’: E.R. doc fears more injuries after 2 kids hit in Edmonton
Voice of America News reports that the baby has suffered brain damage. The virus has been linked to a recent surge in birth defects including microcephaly, a rare condition in which newborns have smaller than normal heads and their brains do not develop properly.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.