Health

Fourteen New Cases Of Zika Confirmed In Territory As Total Climbs To 79

ST. THOMAS -- The Department of Health is reporting that the territory saw 14 new cases of the Zika virus this week, a high number that brings the islands' total known cases to 79 -- 20 in St. Croix, 58 in St. Thomas, and 1 in St. John, according to D.O.H. Out of 1,321 tests completed for pregnant women, 10 have laboratory evidence of Zika; 4 are presumptive positive and 6 are confirmed. The rising number of cases among pregnant women is cause for concern, said D.O.H. Commissioner Michelle Davis, who has urged women to protect themselves and their partners while having sexual intercourse. “Amidst growing concerns about Zika and sexual transmission, D.O.H. is urging pregnant women to be tested for the Zika virus in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, even if they have no symptoms. Pregnant women and their partner should prevent mosquito bites and use proper sexual protection for the length of the pregnancy, or abstain from sex," Ms. Davis said. A total of 930 Zika Prevent...