Case of Zika Virus Confirmed in New Jersey

By: Cohen, Placitella & Roth @ May 13, 2016

Zika virus has spread from Brazil – where it has caused the most damage, most notably in resulting in the tragic condition of microcephaly – to southern parts of the United States, and now, most recently, a case of Zika virus has been confirmed in Camden County, New Jersey. According to an article published in Philly.com, the woman contracted the virus while traveling to an area where the virus is transmitted by mosquitos (although the specific destination was not named).

Confirmed Case of Zika in Camden County

Reports reveals that the woman is not pregnant, which means that microcephaly, a condition where a baby is born with an abnormally small head, and one of the biggest health concerns associated with the virus, is not an issue for her. The woman was diagnosed after visiting her doctor, complaining of a rash (consistent with that found in other Zika victims), fever, joint pain, and fatigue. A sample of the woman’s blood was sent to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which confirmed that she has contracted the infection.

Other Cases of Zika in the United States

According to the CDC, there have been at least 358 cases of Zika virus reported within the continental U.S. as of early April, 2016. All of the cases are related to travel to high-Zika infection areas, including Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Seven of the cases, according to reports, were due to sexual transmission. Outside of New Jersey, there have been a dozen cases reported in Pennsylvania, as well as a few in Delaware, too.

Preventing Zika

In addition to serious birth defects, Zika has also been reported to cause paralysis. Health officials recommend taking precautions to prevent against mosquito bites if traveling to areas of the world in which the Zika virus is currently prevalent. In the United States, such as Pennsylvania, mosquitos do not carry Zika, and therefore are not able to transmit it. If you are pregnant, you should think seriously before traveling to South America, Central America, or the Caribbean.

Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Philadelphia and New Jersey

While the dangers presented by the Zika virus are certainly something to keep in mind, the rates of infections are extremely low in the U.S., and prevention is possible. Of course, if you have traveled to a high risk country, or have had sexual relations with a person who has traveled to such a country, and have developed any symptoms of the Zika virus, you should consult with a medical professional immediately. If your doctor fails to diagnose or treat your condition properly and harm results, our attorneys will be ready to go to work on your behalf.

To schedule a free case consultation with the passionate medical malpractice attorneys of the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. call us today at 866-236-4230, or contact us using our online form.