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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – A top public health official says Gulf Coast states – especially Louisiana – are at a higher risk for the spread of Zika virus.
According to Reuters, the announcement came from Dr. Anthony Fauci, a director with the National Institutes of Health, after it was revealed last week that Zika is present in Miami Beach.
The virus is known to cause microcephaly, a severe birth defect.
Historic flooding in Louisiana that killed 13 people and damaged more than 40,000 homes has heightened Louisiana’s risk for Zika spreading here.
“There’s going to be a lot of problems getting rid of standing water,” he said.
There are five confirmed cases of Zika that were contracted in Miami.
