New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday that the New York State Department of Health will offer advanced lab testing for individuals with symptoms who have traveled to areas where Zika virus infection is ongoing.
The lab testing will be done by the Wadsworth Center – one of only three state laboratories in the nation with the ability to conduct this kind of advanced testing – and will also include screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies against Zika and other related viruses.
Additionally, the state has launched a new information hotline (1-888-364-4723) for New Yorkers to call and learn more about the virus.
“Protecting the health of this state and its residents is this administration’s highest priority,” Cuomo said
The testing is being conducted in collaboration with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention which is providing some of the reagents to conduct Zika tests.
“We’re working closely with the CDC and local health departments to address potential cases of Zika Virus, and by offering free testing we are helping to stay ahead of this disease and protect the public health,” Cuomo said.
“I encourage any New Yorkers who have recently traveled to impacted countries to stay informed and consult their health care professionals if they develop symptoms.”
Officials said the symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually very mild, and many people might not even realize they have been infected and they recover without any issues. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
However, there have been reports of increased cases of a birth defect known as microcephaly that may be associated with Zika virus infection among pregnant women.
“Clearly we are most concerned about providing testing for pregnant women, which will provide them and their doctors with the information they need to make the right healthcare decisions,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “The testing will also give scientists a better understanding of the Zika virus, for which little data currently exists.”
Officials said there have been nine positive cases of Zika virus infection among New York State residents. All of the infected patients are returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is ongoing.
Zika virus cannot be spread through casual person-to-person contact, however, it is likely that there will be many travel-associated cases of people with Zika virus infection living in and seeking care in New York, officials said.
The CDC has issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Topics New York
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Former Congressman Charged After Collision with State Trooper in Florida 
4,800 Claims Handled by Unlicensed Adjusters in Florida After Irma, Lawsuit Says 
California Sees Two More Property Insurers Withdraw From Market 
Marsh McLennan Agency to Buy Fisher Brown Bottrell for About $316M 
