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WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-three U.S. military members have infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus, including a pregnant woman, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.
According to American local reports, these military cases are all outside the continental United States. In addition, six family members of the infected service members also contracted the virus.
"We will continue working closely with our federal, state and local partners to ensure consistent reporting of potential cases and unity of effort in reducing the virus's impact on local communities," the Pentagon said in a statement.
U.S. military bases have been taking measures against the spreading Zika virus such as asking troops to wear insect repellent and stay away from mosquito-infested areas.
Cases of Zika in the continental United States has risen to 15. Including travel-related infections and cases caused by sexual contact, more than 1,600 Zika cases have confirmed in the United States.
Most people infected with Zika will not have symptoms, but for those who do, the illness is usually mild. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, making the new-born baby have an abnormally small head and brain damage.
The U.S. federal government has awarded 16 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday to 40 states and territories to help them fight the virus.
