Puerto Rico Health Ministry Says 2016 Zika Outbreak Over; CDC Asks Health Officials To Remain Vigilant

Reuters: Puerto Rico declares Zika outbreak over, CDC maintains travel warning
“Puerto Rico on Monday declared that the 2016 Zika epidemic is over, saying transmission of the virus that can cause birth defects when pregnant women are exposed has fallen significantly…” (Steenhuysen, 6/6).

STAT: Puerto Rico declares its outbreak of Zika virus is over
“…In a statement, the territorial government said there have been only about 10 cases of Zika reported in every four-week period since mid-April, down from more than 8,000 cases in four-week periods at the same time last year…” (Branswell, 6/5).

Washington Post: Puerto Rico declares Zika epidemic to be over
“…The island has been the part of the United States hardest hit by the mosquito-borne virus, with authorities counting more than 40,000 confirmed cases of Zika infection as of May 20, including 3,678 pregnant women. There have been 35 cases of Zika-related birth defects. … In the Puerto Rico ministry’s statement, CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat said officials ‘cannot let our guard down’…” (Sun, 6/5).

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