More pregnant women in American Samoa with Zika

The number of pregnant women In American Samoa confirmed to have contracted the Zika virus has jumped to 12 after holding steady at six for about two months.

According to RNZI, the latest report from Department of Health epidemiologist Scott Anesi shows there are now 654 suspectedcases and 23 confirmed cases of Zika.

The worst hit area is the Ituau district with 16 percent of the population suspected to have the virus.

Teams from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with the Department of Health in response, prevention and the distribution of Zika kits to pregnant mothers.