State To Begin Testing For Zika Virus In Michigan
DETROIT (WWJ) - The Michigan Department of Health is stepping up its efforts in the war against the mosquito-borne Zika virus.
Starting Monday the state laboratory will begin conducting tests to diagnose the Zika, dengue and chikungunya ... all mosquito-borne viruses.
This is an effort by the health department to identify and monitor new cases of the viruses in Michigan travelers returning from areas where these viruses are currently circulating says WWJ health reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.
Public Information Officer Jennifer Eisner says this testing will help improve response time.
"Someone goes into their doctor and has concerns - has traveled to someplace where the virus is circulating can get tested and have those results sooner," says Eisner.
Pregnant women are especially at risk from the Zika virus because it can cause birth defects in the unborn child.
Michigan is considered low risk for Zika since the mosquitoes that spread the diseases are not present in the state.
There have been three travel-related cases in Michigan, but none in pregnant women.
Zika virus has been responsible for outbreaks in tropical areas throughout the world and was found in 2015 for the first time in the Western Hemisphere.
