Pregnant woman diagnosed with Zika virus staying positive throughout ordeal

Yessica Flores being treated for Zika virus at Jackson Memorial Hospital

MIAMI ā€“ A pregnant woman who was diagnosed with theĀ ZikaĀ virus in Miami spoke publicly for the first time Monday about her treatment.

YessicaĀ Flores, 38, has been under the care of doctors at Jackson Memorial Hospital since August, when she learned that she contracted theĀ ZikaĀ virus.

Flores, who was diagnosed when she was 16 weeks pregnant, was screened for the Zika virus because she works in Miami's Wynwood arts district and had traveled to Honduras.

"She's been in our care since and has had several ultrasounds," Dr. Christine Curry said.

Curry said the ultrasound images have been "healthy and normal" so far, but doctors will continue to monitor the fetal development. After the baby's birth, doctors will continue to monitor the baby and conduct regular brain, hearing and sight tests.

"She's being followed by our high-risk physicians, by myself, as well as meeting with the pediatric team periodically to make sure they're up to date on what's going on with the pregnancy," Curry said.

Now 24 weeks pregnant, Flores is relying on her faith and support from her family and friends to get through the ordeal.

Flores is due to give birth Feb. 13. She plans to name her baby Daniela.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.