33 U.S. Service Members, Including 1 Pregnant Woman, Have Contracted Zika

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At least 33 active-duty service members, including one pregnant woman, have contracted theZika viruswhile serving overseas, the Pentagon announced Wednesday.

Officials did not disclose where the service members were stationed, but a defense official said all recently traveled to Zika-ridden areas. Six family members of service personnel have also contracted the virus outside of the continental United States, a Pentagon source toldNBC News.

No details about the pregnant service member were provided.

The Military Timesfirst reported the figure of 33 on Monday, and on Wednesday, it reported that 41 service members have contracted the virus.

Although all the cases are abroad, Pentagon spokesman Air Force Maj. Benjamin Sakrisson said the Defense Department is monitoring military installations in the U.S. for mosquito-borne diseases.

“[We are actively testing mosquitoes] as part of our ongoing integrated vector control and surveillance programs at bases and installations,” Sakrisson toldThe Military Times.

Related Video: VIDEO: Florida Mom Suspects Zika Virus Caused Her 18-Year-Old Son’s Debilitating Birth Defect

The Pentagon said that it is working closely with federal, state and local authorities to monitor the threat of Zika to military members and their families.

“We have been taking proactive steps for months to help mitigate the threat of Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses in the continental United States and overseas,” a Pentagon statement said, according toCBS News.

Officials also said it has been taking steps to educate troops about how to protect themselves from the virus.

Many U.S. athletes have decided to skip the Olympics this summer over concerns about the Zika virus in Rio.

source: people.com