Texas Department of State Health Services Zika cases update

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Zika Virus ? Feb. 22, 2016

Texas has 13 cases of Zika virus disease. 12 are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county:
Bexar County ? 3
Dallas County ? 2
Harris County ? 7
Travis County - 1
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Symptoms are usually mild, and most people exposed to Zika virus won?t develop any symptoms at all. There have been reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been exposed to Zika virus. People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps:

• Wear insect repellent.
• Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.
• Drain standing water in and around homes.

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.
Texas Zika Virus
DSHS News Releases
CDC Zika Virus

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/

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IMPORTED ZIKA CASE CONFIRMED IN TARRANT COUNTY


Tarrant County - Home > Public Health > News Releases > News Releases 2016 > Imported Zika Case Confirmed in Tarrant County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelly Hanes
Senior Public Information Officer
Tarrant County Public Health
817-321-5306 direct
817-401-5967 mobile

Imported Zika Case Confirmed in Tarrant County

No local transmission reported at this time

February 25, 2016 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has identified the first imported case of Zika virus in the county, in a positive sample tested in TCPH’s North Texas Regional Laboratory.

The patient traveled to a Caribbean country with known local transmission of the disease. No other health information will be released at this time to protect the identity of the patient.

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is typically mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. Sexual transmission of Zika virus can also occur and is of particular concern during pregnancy.

TCPH is encouraging healthcare providers to remain alert for Zika virus, especially in patients with recent travel to countries with local transmission of the disease.

If a person infected with Zika virus is bit by an Aedes mosquito, that mosquito may later bite another person and spread the virus further.

“The most important thing residents can do is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around their home,” said TCPH Health Director Vinny Taneja. “When we stop the breeding cycle, we help stop the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.”

Although the beginning of mosquito season is still several weeks away, residents are encouraged to maintain their properties to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Residents should:

• Routinely dump standing water on their property,
• Overturn all small containers,
• Dispose of any trash or debris that can contain small amounts of water.

TCPH has produced a video to help residents Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites.
County residents can also call the health department’s Zika Hotline (817-248-6299), if they have questions about this disease. For more information on Zika virus and for other useful tips, visit our Zika virus web page.
...

http://access.tarrantcounty.com/en/p...nt-county.html

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CITY OF AUSTIN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: Feb. 29, 2016
Contact: Carole Barasch 512-972-6115 Email

2ND CONFIRMED CASE OF ZIKA VIRUS IN TRAVIS COUNTY

The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department (A/TCHHSD) has confirmed the second positive case of Zika virus. The person, a female under the age of 50, contracted the illness while travelling to Colombia. Over 40 Austin/Travis County residents are currently being tested for Zika. While these two confirmed cases contracted the virus during travel abroad, the mosquito that carries Zika is endemic to Central Texas.

The greatest concern with the virus is its potential impact upon pregnant women due to potential links to microcephaly (babies born with abnormally small heads) and Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. A link to the guidance can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6502e1.htm

Zika virus is transmitted to persons primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes species). A/TCHHSD continues to encourage people to follow travel precautions and avoid mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is typically mild and resolves within one week.

Preventative measures residents can take to avoid mosquito bites include draining any water that has collected around your property, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and ensuring that window screens are properly maintained and using EPA-registered insect repellents. The mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite primarily during the day, but they also bite at night in well lit areas.

A/TCHHSD will be posting test results and provide a weekly summary of Zika activity in Austin/Travis County at : http://www.austintexas.gov/department/zika-virus.

http://www.austintexas.gov/news/2nd-confirmed-case-zika-virus-travis-county

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http://www.houstontx.gov/health/Epidemiology/Zika_Virus.html

HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT

ZIKA VIRUS UPDATE

Monday, February 29, 2016

Gender	Age Range	Travel History	Travel Month	Confirmation Date	Case Status by CDC
Female	60-64	Colombia	11/15	12/22/2015	Confirmed Positive
Male	35-39	Honduras	12/15	01/28/2016	Confirmed Positive
Female	40-45	Honduras	12/15	1/29/2016	Confirmed Positive
Female	0-10	Honduras	Unknown	2/22/2016	Confirmed Positive

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CONTACTS
Erikka D. Neroes, Public Information Officer
erikka.neroes@dallascounty.org
214.819.6329 (office) 214.394.8109 (cell)
Zachary Thompson, Director
214.755.9299 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCHHS Reports 4th Zika Virus Case in Dallas County

DALLAS (March 1, 2016) ? Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) today received confirmation from
the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) of a positive test result for Zika virus.

The 55-year-old non-pregnant patient is a resident of DeSoto who traveled to El Salvador. The patient's
symptoms have resolved. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide
additional identifying information.
...

http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/press/documents/PR3-1-16DCHHSReportsFourthZikaVirusCaseinDallasCounty_001.pdf

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Zika Virus in Fort Bend County

As of 3/1/2016, There is currently 1 confirmed case of Zika Virus in Fort Bend County.*

*Fort Bend County Health & Human Services is responsible for disease reporting in all of Fort Bend County with the exception of the areas within the City of Houston.
...

https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/1257/2781490/Zika-Virus-Information

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Source: http://www.houstontx.gov/health/Epid...ika_Virus.html
HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT

ZIKA VIRUS UPDATE Thursday March 3, 2016 Thursday March 3, 2016 Gender Age Range Travel History Travel Month Confirmation Date Case Status by CDC Female 60-64 Colombia 11/15 12/22/2015 Confirmed Positive Male 35-39 Honduras 12/15 01/28/2016 Confirmed Positive Female 40-45 Honduras 12/15 1/29/2016 Confirmed Positive Female 0-10 Honduras 1/16 2/22/2016 Confirmed Positive Female 45-50 Guatemala 1/16 2/25/2016 Confirmed Positive

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News Updates

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Zika Virus – March 3, 2016

Texas has had 18 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. 17 were in travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involved a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county:

Bexar – 3
Dallas – 2
Fort Bend - 1
Harris – 9
Tarrant - 1
Travis - 2
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Symptoms are usually mild, and most people exposed to Zika virus won’t develop any symptoms at all. There have been reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been exposed to Zika virus. People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps:

• Wear Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
• Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.
Texas Zika Virus
DSHS News Releases
CDC Zika Virus

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

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Texas Takes Aim at Zika Virus

News Release
March 3, 2016

DSHS Launches Lab Testing, Birth Defects Review, Website, Community Guidance
Today’s State Case Count Jumps from 14 to 18

The Texas Department of State Health Services has ramped up efforts to protect people from Zika virus and is urging people to follow mosquito precautions.
“
Mosquito season is approaching, and the number of travel-related cases continues to inch up for Texas. It’s only a matter of time before Zika virus is locally transmitted here by mosquitoes,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner.

While there is no evidence of local transmission by Texas mosquitoes now, state health officials have quickly implemented Zika virus prevention plans in anticipation of increased mosquito activity and the potential for local mosquito transmission. Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can be found in Texas, particularly urban areas in the south and southeast portions of the state, but can live anywhere humans are present.

Texas has confirmed 18 cases of Zika virus disease. Seventeen of those are related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission. One case, from Dallas County, was likely the result of sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad.

State Action

Texas is now testing for Zika virus at its public health lab in Austin. Current state lab capacity is up to 135 human specimens per week, and capacity across the state is increasing as local labs add testing capability in anticipation of a possible surge in demand. This testing, called polymerase chain reaction or “PCR” testing, is used to detect Zika virus in human specimens collected less than seven days after illness onset. The PCR test is considered confirmatory for the presence of Zika virus. Specific testing guidance is available at www.TexasZika.org.

Texas is also adding the more complex serologic testing for Zika virus. The benefit of serologic testing is that it can detect Zika infection in people who may not have had symptoms, and the test can be conducted up to 12 weeks after a person is infected. A positive serologic test result requires confirmatory testing to definitively pinpoint Zika because it can cross-react with other viruses, such as dengue.

Texas is working with local officials in the Rio Grande Valley area to monitor mosquito activity and conducted spot trapping in the area in February, which yielded no Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The Rio Grande Valley is considered to be a potential area of increased risk of Zika virus transmission. DSHS is urging communities to consider expanding their surveillance in coordination with local mosquito control efforts.

The agency’s Birth Defects Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch is analyzing historical microcephaly data to better understand patterns, trends and causes of microcephaly in Texas. Microcephaly is a birth defect that may be linked to Zika virus infection in other parts of the world. Texas also is implementing the “rapid ascertainment” of microcephaly, which means the condition will be closely monitored going forward for Zika virus and other causes.

The Governor’s 31-member Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response, directed by Dr. Hellerstedt, will meet in Austin March 9 to discuss infectious disease prevention, and Zika will be part of that discussion.

Texas is urging health care providers to be aware of and consider Zika virus as they see patients. State health officials are actively coordinating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local officials about surveillance, testing and mosquito control. Texas is educating the general public about Zika in English and Spanish through its new website www.TexasZika.organd will host a Zika-specific Twitter chat at 2 p.m. Friday, March 4.

“We’re focusing on urging people to strictly follow the guidance to prevent the disease,” Dr. Hellerstedt said. “We need everyone on board, helping to cut down mosquito populations and avoid mosquito bites as we head into spring.”

Take Action in Communities

DSHS today sent a letter to local leaders asking for help in protecting people from the Zika virus and outlining steps to prevent or delay Zika virus transmission by local mosquitoes. Eliminating potential mosquito breeding areas, especially near homes and communities, is an effective way to protect against all mosquito-borne diseases including Zika. These are the recommended actions local leaders can take to help protect communities from Zika virus:

• Initiate or enhance monitoring and surveillance of mosquito activity.
• Accelerate mosquito abatement efforts.
• Develop a local contingency plan for mosquito abatement and surveillance; plan for additional control measures if needed.
• Encourage people to report illegal dumpsites and standing water, and respond quickly to these complaints.
• Implement efforts to clean up illegal dumpsites and collect heavy trash.
• Keep public drains and ditches clear of weeds and trash so water will not collect.
• Treat standing water with larvicide (such as mosquito “dunks”) when it cannot be drained and the water will be present for more than seven days.
• Conduct neighborhood outreach about precautions people can take to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.

Take Action Around Homes

DSHS suggests the following steps people can take in and around their own homes to help reduce potential mosquito breeding habitats:

• At least weekly, empty or get rid of cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers and other containers that hold water.
• Keep gutters clear of debris and standing water.
• Remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs.
• Change water in pet dishes daily.
• Rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly.
• Change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.
• Maintain backyard pools or hot tubs.
• Cover trash containers.
• Water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for several days.
• Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns.
• Treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
• If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for vegetation around the home.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

People living or traveling to areas with active transmission should carefully follow steps to avoid mosquito bites while there and for at least seven days after leaving the area. Precautions include:

• Wear insect repellent.
• Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.

Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. The virus also can be spread from mother to unborn child or to her newborn around the time of birth. Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact also has been reported.

The disease can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and red eyes but also has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly and other poor birth outcomes in some women infected during their pregnancy. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week, and hospitalizations are rare. A small number of cases of Guillain-Barr? syndrome, a paralysis disorder, also have been linked to Zika virus infection. Most people exposed to Zika virus won’t develop any symptoms at all. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the virus.

-30-

(News Media Contact: Carrie Williams, 512-776-7119, carrie.williams@dshs.state.tx.us)
DSHS Press Office on


Last updated March 03, 2016


https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/re.../20160303.aspx

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http://www.houstontx.gov/health/Epid...ika_Virus.html
HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT

ZIKA VIRUS UPDATE

Friday March 4, 2016

Gender	Age Range	Travel History	Travel Month	Confirmation Date	Case Status by CDC
Female	60-64	Colombia	11/15	12/22/2015	Confirmed Positive
Male	35-39	Honduras	12/15	01/28/2016	Confirmed Positive
Female	40-45	Honduras	12/15	1/29/2016	Confirmed Positive
Female	0-10	Honduras	1/16	2/22/2016	Confirmed Positive
Female	45-50	Guatemala	1/16	2/25/2016	Confirmed Positive
Female	60-64	El Salvador	11/15	2/26/2016	Confirmed Positive

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Zika Virus ? March 9, 2016

Texas has had 21 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. Twenty were in travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involved a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county:

Bexar ? 3
Dallas ? 4
Fort Bend - 1
Harris ? 9
Tarrant - 2
Travis - 2
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Symptoms are usually mild, and most people exposed to Zika virus won?t develop any symptoms at all. There have been reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been exposed to Zika virus. People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by taking a few simple steps:

• Wear Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
• Cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens.
• Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.
Texas Zika Virus
DSHS News Releases
CDC Zika Virus

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

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TWO NEW ZIKA CASES CONFIRMED IN TARRANT COUNTY

Tarrant County - Home > Public Health > News Releases > News Releases 2016 > Two New Zika Cases Confirmed in Tarrant County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelly Hanes
Senior Public Information Officer
Tarrant County Public Health
817-321-5306 direct
817-401-5967 mobile
dkhanes@tarrantcounty.com







Two New Zika Cases Confirmed in Tarrant County

Health Department launches Zika Home Care Kit

March 9, 2016 (Tarrant County, TX) – Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) has identified two new imported cases of Zika virus in the county, bringing the total number of positive cases to three. No local transmission reported, surveillance continues.

The first patient traveled to Puerto Rico. The second patient traveled to El Salvador. Both counties have known local transmission of the disease. No other health information will be released at this time to protect the identity of the patients.

In these two cases, TCPH’s North Texas Regional Laboratory did not perform the tests. The samples were collected and sent to public health labs outside the region before the Tarrant County and Dallas County labs were validated to test for the virus.

TCPH has designed and launched a Zika Home Care Kit for distribution to Tarrant County residents being evaluated for Zika. The kit includes mosquito repellant, mosquito dunks, educational materials and other items.
“
This is a good reminder to Texans that Zika virus is slowly arriving. It is already changing many of our daily routines, like wearing mosquito repellant when outside whether it’s day or night,” said TCPH Health Director Vinny Taneja. “We are providing these kits as an education tool to remind residents what they can do to protect themselves and their families from mosquito-borne illnesses.

Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, a known aggressive daytime biter. Sexual transmission has been reported in a small number of cases. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is typically mild with symptoms lasting no more than seven days.

“Our healthcare providers are on alert for Zika virus, and paying close attention to patients with recent travel to countries with local transmission of the disease,” said Taneja.

Residents are encouraged to maintain their properties to reduce mosquito breeding sites. They should:

• Routinely dump standing water on their property,
• Overturn all small containers,
• Dispose of any trash or debris that can contain small amounts of water.

County residents can also call the health department’s Zika Hotline (817-248-6299), if they have questions about this disease. For more information on Zika virus and for other useful tips, visit our Zika Virus webpage.

TCPH has produced a video to help residents Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites.

http://access.tarrantcounty.com/en/p...nt-county.html

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Zika virus case confirmed in Grayson County

Posted: Wed 10:58 AM, Mar 09, 2016
By: KXII-TV

SHERMAN, Texas -- The Grayson County Health Department confirmed Wednesday that a county resident had tested positive for the Zika virus.

The patient is an adult resident of Grayson County and has recently traveled to an area with a known Zika Virus outbreak.
...

http://www.kxii.com/home/headlines/Zika-virus-case-confirmed-in-Grayson-County-371535091.html

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News Updates



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Zika Virus – March 15, 2016


Texas has had 23 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. 22 were in travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involved a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county:

Bexar – 3
Dallas – 4
Fort Bend - 1
Harris – 10
Tarrant - 3
Travis - 2

...
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

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Zika Virus ? March 24, 2016

Texas has had 27 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. Of those, 26 were in travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involved a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad.
Case counts by county:

Bexar ? 3
Dallas ? 4
Fort Bend ? 2
Grayson ? 1
Harris ? 11
Tarrant ? 3
Travis ? 2
Wise ? 1
...

https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm