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Zika’s Threat to the U.S. Military

The Atlantic reports that “more than 40 members of the U.S. military have contracted the Zika virus this year in countries where it is present, government officials said; among them a pregnant woman, for whom Zika can be particularly dangerous.”  

“The news was first reported by the Military Times Monday. The total count stood at 33 service members then, but has risen to 41 in the past week, Military Times reported Wednesday. Some of the individuals infected are active-duty service members. Pentagon officials would not say how many remain ill, where they are exactly, and whether any have returned to the U.S.”  

“Defense officials began tracking the virus among U.S. troops in January. In June, the Pentagon said at least 11 U.S. troops had become infected with Zika in countries where the virus is transmitted.”

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