TX: 2018 Zika

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Source: http://www.kxan.com/news/local/willi...rus/1126322134

Two people in Williamson County test positive for Zika virus
By: Calily Bien
Updated: Apr 16, 2018 05:50 PM CDT

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Two people who live in Williamson County tested positive for Zika this month, making it the first Zika cases in Texas this year.

The Texas Department of State Health Services says the two cases were travel-related and the two individuals got sick while abroad...

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Zika Virus – May 15, 2018

DSHS has received reports of the first Texas Zika cases of 2018, two travel-related cases in residents of Williamson County who got sick while abroad. People should remember to protect themselves from mosquito bites this spring as they travel, particularly to warmer climates where Zika is more prevalent, like Central and South America and the Caribbean.

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 May 11, three Zika cases have been reported for 2018. There have been 55 cases reported for 2017, though that number could still change. Full data for previous years is available at TexasZika.org.

2018 Zika cases by county
Collin - 1
Williamson - 2

All 2018 cases are associated with travel.

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.

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.

Additional information at TexasZika.org
Texas Zika Campaign Materials
DSHS Zika News Releases
Zika Virus at CDC
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https://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#Zika