News reports that 30 California residents have tested positive for the Zika virus including a handful in Southern Califiornia. Last Week, California helath officials strongly urged travelers returning home from countries where Zika is spreading to take precautions, such as wearing insect repellant and practicing safe sex. While Zika is primarily spread through bites from the Aedes mosquito, it can also be spread via sex. Babies of mothers who have been infected with the Zika virus run a greater risk of having a birth injury or a birth defect. Two California women gave birth to children with microcephaly - a condition where the childs head is signifficantly smaller than usual.
Although federal health officials are calling for Californias blood banks to be tested for the virus, this safety precaution has not yet been implemented. Sources indicate that testing will likely begin soon.
For more information, or if you have concerns about the Zika virus or if your child has suffered a birth related injury, please contacgt the dedicated California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.