The state Department of Health has been answering questions from the public about a virus that poses a potential danger to pregnant women. Listen to the story here
Outbreaks of the Zika virus have occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, Central American and the Caribbean but not in Ohio…..yet. Health experts say there have been a few cases in other states with people who have traveled to areas where there are outbreaks. The virus, which is spread through mosquito bites, causes only one in five people who contract it to get sick, but it’s particularly dangerous for pregnant women because it is thought to cause serious birth defects. The Ohio Department of Health says there’s limited reason to worry about the virus here right now. But it does note that the Centers for Disease Control recommends pregnant women consider postponing travel to any area where the virus transmission in ongoing.
Copyright 2016 The Statehouse News Bureau
