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? First Zika Infection in a Pregnant Texas Resident Who Did Not Travel Outside the State
Zika Virus ? Jan 25, 2017
Texas has identified the first instance of a laboratory-confirmed Zika infection in a pregnant Texas resident who did not travel outside the state. The woman, a resident of Bexar County, traveled to Brownsville in November, around the time six Brownsville residents acquired cases of Zika virus disease from mosquitoes there. She did not get sick and was tested for Zika during regular prenatal care. Because the infection was not transmitted in Bexar County, it does not represent an increased risk of Zika there.
The infection could have been transmitted by mosquitoes or through sexual contact with a partner who was infected. DSHS urges everyone, especially pregnant women, to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites when visiting Brownsville and other parts of the state where mosquito activity continues throughout the winter months. Pregnant women should also protect themselves against sexual transmission from partners who travel to those areas by avoiding sexual contact or using condoms for the duration of the pregnancy.
Zika Data
DSHS provides updates every Tuesday on the number of Zika virus disease cases in Texas by the patient?s county of residence. As of the week ending Jan. 20, one Zika case has been reported for 2017 with 300 cases reported for 2015 and 2016. Full data for previous years is available at TexasZika.org.
Brazoria - 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. Zika has also been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with the virus while pregnant.
The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to prepare for the possible transmission of Zika virus in Texas by emphasizing how people can protect themselves, increasing the state?s capacity to test for the virus, and working with local governments to assess mosquito control capabilities and activities.
Because the virus spreads from place to place through human travel, DSHS encourages people to follow travel precautions for countries and regions where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. That generally includes Latin America, the Caribbean and some Pacific islands. DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for 21 days after returning, in case they have been exposed to the virus.
People everywhere can protect themselves from mosquito bites and the threat of Zika by taking a few simple steps:
Zika Virus ? Jan 25, 2017
Texas has identified the first instance of a laboratory-confirmed Zika infection in a pregnant Texas resident who did not travel outside the state. The woman, a resident of Bexar County, traveled to Brownsville in November, around the time six Brownsville residents acquired cases of Zika virus disease from mosquitoes there. She did not get sick and was tested for Zika during regular prenatal care. Because the infection was not transmitted in Bexar County, it does not represent an increased risk of Zika there.
The infection could have been transmitted by mosquitoes or through sexual contact with a partner who was infected. DSHS urges everyone, especially pregnant women, to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites when visiting Brownsville and other parts of the state where mosquito activity continues throughout the winter months. Pregnant women should also protect themselves against sexual transmission from partners who travel to those areas by avoiding sexual contact or using condoms for the duration of the pregnancy.
Zika Data
DSHS provides updates every Tuesday on the number of Zika virus disease cases in Texas by the patient?s county of residence. As of the week ending Jan. 20, one Zika case has been reported for 2017 with 300 cases reported for 2015 and 2016. Full data for previous years is available at TexasZika.org.
Brazoria - 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. Zika has also been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with the virus while pregnant.
The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to prepare for the possible transmission of Zika virus in Texas by emphasizing how people can protect themselves, increasing the state?s capacity to test for the virus, and working with local governments to assess mosquito control capabilities and activities.
Because the virus spreads from place to place through human travel, DSHS encourages people to follow travel precautions for countries and regions where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. That generally includes Latin America, the Caribbean and some Pacific islands. DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for 21 days after returning, in case they have been exposed to the virus.
People everywhere can protect themselves from mosquito bites and the threat of Zika by taking a few simple steps:
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts that cover exposed skin.
- Use screens or close windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Remove standing water in and around your home.
- Cover trash cans or containers where water can collect.