Many of the countries in the Caribbean region are still at
risk for Zika, according to the latest warning from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
Pregnant women are urged to avoid travel to any of the
islands impacted by the September hurricanes, which in CDC's opinion totals 17
countries, including those just brushed by the storms.
The agency said that contaminated drinking water and reduced
access to safe water, food and shelter in some areas may create conditions for
outbreaks of infectious diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis and influenza as
well as Zika.
Much of the Caribbean region, as well as Florida and
countries in Latin America and South America, were impacted by Zika or the
fears of Zika in 2016.
Puerto Rico especially was hurt by it, with cancellations of
weddings and meetings.
Fears abated earlier this year as reported cases of Zika
dropped off and concern for contacting the mosquito-borne virus waned.