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Due to the risk of Zika virus transmission in the U.S., the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emergency Operations Center has been shifted to the Level 1, the highest level of the agency, officials said.

The agency said in an announcement “reflecting the agency’s assessment of the need for an accelerated preparedness to bring together experts to focus intently and work efficiently in anticipation of local Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes,” is the activation of Level 1.

The CDC staff will work to fight a crucial emergency around the clock is the indication of highest level activation. To combat H1N1 influenza in 2009, Ebola, and after Hurricane Katrina, the three other Level 1 activations have been made.

The World Health Organization has considered Zika virus a “global health threat” and throughout the Americas, it has been spreading. According to the CDC, Zika virus general symptoms include joint pain, conjunctivitis, fever, and rash.