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Connecticut asks doctors to report cases of Zika virus

HARTFORD — Connecticut’s Department of Public Health is asking health care providers across the state to report any suspected cases of a mosquito-borne vi...
Mosquito

HARTFORD — Connecticut’s Department of Public Health is asking health care providers across the state to report any suspected cases of a mosquito-borne viral infection called Zika.

The agency says there are currently no reported cases of the virus in Connecticut.

U.S. health officials on Saturday said a baby born in Hawaii had tested positive for the virus. They say the mother was likely infected while in Brazil.

The illness has been spreading around the world. Brazil reported the first outbreak in the Americas. Puerto Rico confirmed its first case in December.

The illness is usually mild, but a possible link between the viral infection in pregnant women and subsequent birth defects is being investigated.

Health officials say pregnant women should avoid traveling to Latin America and Caribbean countries that have outbreaks.

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