The Puerto Rico Health Department is reporting an increase in confirmed Zika virus cases on the island as Secretary of the Department of Health, Ana Ríus Armendariz said today that 1,336 confirmed cases were reported in just the past week.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

This brings the total confirmed Zika cases in Puerto Rico to 4,437 since the introduction of Zika to the island.

Ríus Armendáriz says confirmed cases have been reported in 76 of the 78 municipalities.  “It is very important that we continue contributing to prevention of the virus as raining season begins. Eliminate potential breeding sites and sources water in our homes and work areas, to invest in screened doors and windows in our homes, we use insect repellant and light colored clothing.”

In addition, 77 of the cases were reported in pregnant women, bringing that total to 553. Four more patients required hospitalization for their illness and an additional Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) case was reported.

Rhe Secretary also reminded the public of the risk of sexual transmission of the Zika virus and emphasized the use of condoms as a preventive measure against this and other diseases.

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