Microcephaly Concerns Just 'The Tip Of The Iceberg' With Zika, Doctor Says

Health care officials are struggling to eradicate Zika mosquitoes in Miami, and many are concerned that the virus could contaminate their own homes. The efforts in Miami's Wynwood Arts District showed that 15 people have already been infected, which means that the efforts are not producing the results that officials have been hoping for.

Across the country in California, Fox News reported that the Department of Public Health noted two babies have already been born with Zika-related microcephaly, both of whom are born to mothers who got infected outside the states - a reminder that the virus can cause more than flu-like symptoms to a parent. The CDC recommended the use of insect repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothes for people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, but there are other problems that needed to be addressed head on.

Dr Edward McCabe, medical director for the March of Dimes said that there are bigger problems regarding the Zika virus other than just microcephaly - during these times, he said that it is important for couples to plan their pregnancies, as the virus can live up to eight weeks after the onset of the virus for women, and up to six months in men. Blood transfusions have also become a problem - people with high levels of the virus in their blood can die of the disease, and scientists are not yet sure as to how many ways the disease can be passed. Due to the effect of the virus in the blood, transfusions are becoming a concern, as well as donated organs that may or may not have been infected with the virus.

According to the International Business Times, Zika can be contracted through blood -- including handling of specimen by lab workers - or sexual transmission, and because there are other potential problems regarding the disease, like babies being born susceptible to neurological problems, stillbirth, or mothers have a tendency to miscarry their babies - and not much understanding about it, health practitioner fear that microcephaly is just the "tip of the iceberg" in regards to the virus.