CDC to host Zika conference call with hospital workers

MIAMI (AP) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is hosting a conference call and webinar with Florida hospital workers to discuss the spread of the Zika virus.

Gov. Rick Scott’s office announced that the conference call is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

State and federal health officials will discuss the Zika virus, symptoms, treatments and other precautions with doctors and others who work with pregnant women.

Zika is rapidly spreading through Latin America, and scientists are studying its possible connection to babies born with unusually small heads, a defect called microcephaly that can signal underlying brain damage.

As of Wednesday afternoon, a total of 16 Zika cases had been reported in Florida, but none were contracted in the state. The virus can be spread by bites from mosquitoes that are common in Florida.