FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Zika Virus has expectant mothers with a long list of questions after reports the virus has been linked to birth defects. Concerns about the virus are up a notch now that Florida Governor Rick Scott has declared a Zika health emergency in Lee County.
There have been two confirmed cases of Zika in Lee county and in both cases the patients got the virus while visiting another country. Health officials say the chance of you catching the virus here is virtually zero, but expecting moms don't want to take any chances.
Fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes are all symptoms of the Zika Virus. The virus is carried by a tiny every day mosquito bringing big concerns to expectant mothers.
"We have seen some increasing phone calls lately from our moms that are concerned that traveled recently," Registered nurse Eva Robson said.
Dr. Kevin Fleishman says some of the biggest concerns expectant mothers have about the virus are yet to be proven.
"The link between the Zika Virus and microsephaly or infants with small heads is not proven," Dr. Fleischman said. "We just know that going along with the outbreak in Brazil that theres a 20 times increase in babies born with it."
Dr. Fleischman says expectant mothers shouldn’t be too worried about the virus unless a pregnant woman or someone who is trying to get pregnant has recently traveled and is experiencing the common symptoms.
Once screened if there is suspicious of Zika virus reports are sent to the CDC and the Health Department to follow up, but Dr. Fleischman says there's no need to panic.
"The important thing to know is the biggest concerns are in areas like Brazil, South America, and some parts of the caribbean."
He adds that while the mosquito that carries the virus has not been found in Florida, experts say it doesn't hurt to avoid local mosquito bites that it's important to be proactive by wearing protective clothing, long sleeves, mosquito repellant, and most importantly not get exposed to the mosquitos and for your homes make sure there's no standing water around.
