DENVER (CBS4) – Researchers now state the Zika virus could spread farther in the U.S. compared to originally believed. The mosquito known to carry Zika is mostly located in the south, yet the virus has actually been located in a 2nd species that ranges as much north as Maine and Minnesota.
Though there have actually been no cases of mosquito-borne Zika in the U.S., a Colorado couple is worried concerning feasible exposure and can’t know why the Focus for Illness Regulate won’t test for the virus.
The concern is for the couple’s unborn kid after the father invested weeks in among the damaged areas.
The CDC says women that are pregnant are considered greater risk for infection and can easily induce serious birth defects.
The mother, that asked not to be identified, said weeks in to her pregnancy she learned her husband would certainly have actually to travel to Puerto Rico for work. The island is among nearly 40 places reporting energetic Zika virus.
“Our selections were at the time, well visit work, do your task and once you come house we’ll get hold of the test,” she said.
Just prior to her husband’s return, she began reaching out to doctors.
“We went to the overall practitioner medical professional and she looked at the guidelines and she said you don’t have actually at the very least 2 of the symptoms on this list, therefore you are asymptomatic and the CDC will certainly reject your sample and we were turned away,” said the mother.
It was a surprise to her due to the fact that the CDC itself has actually reported that a majority of Zika cases reveal no symptoms.
She was after that referred to a pregnancy specialist who, along with executing multiple complete physique ultrasounds, wanted her husband to be tested.
“The prenatal specialist said if this was my pregnancy I would certainly prefer the test done, you prefer the peace of mind, you hope to have the ability to visit bed at night and appreciate the remainder of your pregnancy free of that concern,” said expecting mother.
The medical professional sent a sample to the CDC, which was rejected a week later.
“I was angry… I was angry.”
The expense to test the sample falls on the couple and they paid to have actually it done.
Their cash was returned and the recommendation from the CDC was that they abstain from sex for the remainder of her pregnancy.
CBS4 reached out to the CDC, asking why they wouldn’t run the test, and was referred to their website.
Karen Morfitt Joined the CBS4 group as a reporter in 2013. She covers a number of stories in and about metro Denver. Connect along with her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter @karenmorfitt or email her tips.
