A man from Puerto Rico is the first reported zika-related death in the U.S., the Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirm Friday.
The man, in his 70s, had a severe immune reaction from the virus that led to internal bleeding.
Zika is spread mainly by mosquitos, has affected thousands in countries across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Up until now, doctors have been most concerned about Zika affecting pregnant women because the virus has been linked to severe birth defects, including brain damage and microcephaly.
According to recent numbers released by the CDC, 426 travelers and 36 pregnant women in the United States have Zika.
But this first zika-related death means the virus may lead to more complications than previously thought.
Dr. Nancy Crum-Cianflone, an infectious disease physician at Scripps Mercy, says we need to take Zika seriously.
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“This is a very important virus that we really now need to have our radar up and take steps nationally to reduce mosquitos and do everything we can personally to reduce mosquito bites,” Dr. Crum-Cianflone said.
The news comes just one day after the Food and Drug Administration approved the first commercial U.S. test to diagnose Zika virus.
Quest Diagnostics says the FDA has given authorization to U.S. doctors to test anyone who they believe contracted zika.
Beginning Monday, patients who previously had to go through state and county health departments will be able to get tested by their doctors.
Each test cost around $500 and if you have insurance, it will cost $120. Test results usually take about 3 to 5 days.
