Five more human H7N9 avian flu illnesses have been reported in China, one from Henan province and four from Anhui province, according to government statements translated and posted by FluTrackers, an infectious disease news message board.
Meanwhile, Florida confirms first local case in weeks, and a study explores post-outbreak prevalence.
Also, reports highlighted the first local US case and Zika in a man with a vasectomy.
In other Zika developments, the CDC released new fact sheets for pregnant women about the complexities involved in Zika testing.
Two more babies have been born in the United States with Zika-related birth defects, raising the total to 36, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday in an update. The number of Zika-related pregnancy losses remained at 5.
A new study published today in PLOS Medicine shows that the Zika virus triggers Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and causes congenial birth defects. Though these findings have been demonstrated by other studies, this is the largest systemic literature review of the most devastating outcomes of Zika infection to date.
"Fighting Zika is the most complex epidemic response CDC has taken on," Frieden says.
Also, a review of blood samples suggests Zika-linked microcephaly in Hawaii as far back as 2009.
Texas reports another local Zika case as DNA vaccine is successful in phase 1 trial.
In other developments, research teams describe viral levels in semen and thrombocytopenia as a complication.
