First Reported Case Of Zika Spreading Through Sex Heightens Concerns

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  There are several developments as concerns grow about the Zika Virus since it was revealed it can be spread sexually and there is one case of that reported in Dallas.

The US travel alert is expanded to 30 travel destinations, now including Jamaica and pregnant women are being advised to postpone trips to those destinations.

In Florida, there are nine cases all in people who traveled. The government has declared a health emergency in four counties, including Miami.

The Pennsylvania Health Department's website says there are eight valid tests underway for the Zika Virus: zero positive, 1 negative and 7 are pending.

Heightened concern follows the revelation that the Zika Virus was spread through sexual contact here in the US.  The Dallas patient was infected by a person who picked up the virus in Venezuela.

Health officials emphasize the disease is generally spread through mosquito bites. "The bottom-line for the public in the continental US remains the same," Dr. Tom Frieden said. "If you are pregnant and thinking of travelling to a place with Zika spreading... don't."

At an emergency meeting of health officials in Latin America, the director of the Pan American Health Organization said the sexual transmission revelation raises new concerns. "Obviously it would bring a new dimension to the Zika problem and that will be studied further," Carissa Etienne said.

The virus has been linked to several thousands of cases of a serious birth defect called microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with small heads.
The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency to try to get answers.

Just as a precaution, the American Red Cross is asking prospective blood donors who have recently visited areas where Zika virus is spreading to wait at least 28 days before giving blood, but experts say the risk of transmitting Zika through blood donation remains extremely low in the continental US.