CDC Epidemiologist Reviews Local Plans for Zika Virus

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An epidemiologist from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is discussing with local health officials how American Samoa plans to proceed in combating the spread of the Zika virus.

Since cases of Zika was first discovered in the territory at the beginning of the year, CDC has been sending teams to work with the Department of Health in identifying , treating and documenting Zika cases.

Dr. Gerry Farjardo is from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch at CDC headquarters in Atlanta.

He’s here with a colleague, Conne Ward Cameron, to help the territory in its monitoring and treatment of the Zika virus.

American Samoa is one of 66 countries with confirmed Zika cases.

The latest count of Zika cases in the territory  is 776 suspected Zika cases, and 44 confirmed cases of which 16 are pregnant women.

DOH Epidemiologist, Magele Scott Anesi, says 9 of the pregnant mothers diagnosed with Zika have given birth.

He said none of the babies show signs of microcephaly , or have smaller than usual heads.

This has been a symptom of babies born of mothers who contracted Zika in Brazil.

Dr. Farjardo says a major challenge in the fight against Zika here is the lack of resources, for example testing blood samples for evidence of the mosquito borne disease.

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