Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Researchers: Zika Can Be Passed Through Sweat, Tears
New details are emerging about the mysterious Zika case in Utah where a son caring for his sick father became infected with the virus. The father's death in June was the first related to Zika in the continental United States. His son's infection was unusual because, unlike all other known adult cases, he had not traveled to a Zika-infected region or had聽sex with a partner who had done so. Instead, he had remained at his father's side in the hospital. (Sun, 9/28)
A new report suggests the first person who died while infected with Zika virus in the United States actually succumbed to the infection, not a previous illness. (Branswell, 9/28)
A leading official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is rejecting claims that the agency has been knowingly promoting a less effective test for the Zika virus. The public health agency has been hit with criticism this week after one of its own top scientists alleged that CDC officials had recommended the use of a Zika test that is far less effective than another existing test. (Ferris, 9/28)
The state health department confirmed eight new travel-related Zika cases on Wednesday, two of which are in Orange County. This brings up the Orange County total to 79, and the four-county total to 132 travel-related cases since earlier this year.聽No local cases have been聽confirmed in Central Florida, and local mosquitoes haven't tested positive for聽Zika. (Miller, 9/28)