The updates include an expanded definition of Zika congenital syndrome from PAHO and revised CDC guidance on testing pregnant women and on preventing sexual spread.
New York City confirms its first Zika-related microcephaly case, Florida is investigating a possible 2nd local infection, and Puerto Rico turns down a CDC plan to spray for mosquitoes.
Also, researchers report that Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes are a potential Zika vector, and CDC notes 3 new cases of birth defects.
As officials probe the source of the infection, mosquito control activities are under way in the area and Zika kits are being distributed.
Researchers found the virus in Aedes mosquitoes near the homes of patients in southern Mexico, and another team found that two species commonly found in the US aren't likely to spread the disease.
In the latest round of lab studies to pinpoint how Zika virus infects and causes birth defects in fetuses, researchers today reported several new clues related to the route and timing of infection, differences between the two viral strains, and even an antibiotic with the potential to block some of the damage.
How spread occurred is unresolved, but high virus levels might be a factor.
After a woman returned to the US from a Zika-affected area, a single act of intercourse likely transmitted the virus.
Also, studies explore Zika-dengue antibody dynamics and co-infections with chikungunya.
The microcephaly case is the 4th in a US state, and the CDC says Olympic travel poses a low Zika risk.
