Zika Spreading Rapidly In Puerto Rico, According To Blood Donation Screenings, U.S. Health Officials Say
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: CDC: Zika spreading rapidly in Puerto Rico, blood donations suggest
“The Zika virus has gained a startling foothold in Puerto Rico based on the number of blood donations that have tested positive for the disease, federal health officials said Friday…” (Bentley, 6/17).
New York Times: Number of Zika-Positive Puerto Ricans Surprises Health Officials
“Roughly one percent of recent blood donors in Puerto Rico showed signs of active infection with the Zika virus, suggesting that a substantial portion of the island’s population will become infected, federal health officials reported on Friday…” (Saint Louis, 6/17).
Reuters: Zika infections in Puerto Rico increasing steadily: officials
“…Puerto Rican health officials on Friday reported that 1,726 people in the U.S. commonwealth have been infected with Zika, including a total of 191 pregnant women. That is up from a total of 1,501 total infections and 182 infections in pregnant women a week ago…” (Steenhuysen, 6/17).
Washington Post: CDC director: Puerto Rico could see hundreds of Zika-infected babies with microcephaly
“…The latest data show that the most accurate, real-time indicator of Zika infection suggests that thousands of pregnant women there could contract the virus in the coming months. That, in turn, could lead to ‘dozens to hundreds of infants born with microcephaly in the coming year,’ Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said during a media briefing…” (Sun, 6/17).
The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.