LOC09:35
06:35 GMT
NEW YORK, Feb 5 (KUNA) -- New York State expanded free testing to include all pregnant women who have traveled to countries impacted by Zika Virus.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo directed the State Department of Health to expand the free Zika virus testing program for all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the infection is ongoing, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms.
The Department of Health has issued a health advisory to local health departments, health care providers and hospitals to further coordinate Zika response efforts in New York State.
Governor Cuomo in a press statement said that these actions will help continue to ensure the safety of New Yorkers. "We are in constant communication with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are taking proactive steps to raise public awareness, address any potential cases of Zika, and protect the public health," he added.
Such decision came after reports of 11 positive cases of Zika virus infection among New York State residents. All of the infected patients are returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is ongoing.
The World Health Organization has said it suspects the virus might be behind a sudden spike in birth defects in a part of northern Brazil.(end)
mao.tg