Harris County infant dies in first Zika-related death in Texas

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HOUSTON (KTRK) --
Texas has confirmed that an infant who recently died in Harris County had microcephaly linked to the Zika virus. The baby passed away shortly after birth and is the first Zika-related death reported in Texas.

During her pregnancy, the mother was in Latin America, where she was infected, and the baby acquired the infection in the womb. Recent test results confirmed the baby's condition and link to Zika. The mother and baby are classified as travel-related cases, and there is no additional associated risk in Texas.

Last month Texas reported the state's first case of microcephaly linked to Zika, also a Harris County infant.

http://abc13.com/health/harris-county-infant-dies-in-first-zika-related-death-in-texas/1462611/

 

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[h=1]Infant Death in Texas Linked to Zika[/h] [h=2]News Release
August 9, 2016[/h]
Texas has confirmed that an infant who recently died in Harris County had microcephaly linked to the Zika virus. The baby passed away shortly after birth and is the first Zika-related death reported in Texas.

During her pregnancy, the mother was in Latin America, where she was infected, and the baby acquired the infection in the womb. Recent test results confirmed the baby?s condition and link to Zika. The mother and baby are classified as travel-related cases, and there is no additional associated risk in Texas.

Last month Texas reported the state?s first case of microcephaly linked to Zika, also a Harris County infant.

?Zika?s impact on unborn babies can be tragic, and our hearts are with this family,? said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner. ?Our central mission from the beginning has been to do everything we can to protect unborn babies from the devastating effects of Zika.?

DSHS is coordinating with Harris County Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to follow the cases.

Texas has reported 99 cases of Zika virus disease, including the two infants with microcephaly from Harris County. All Texas cases are related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission. There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas, but Texas is on alert for the possibility local transmission.

With its link to microcephaly, Zika poses a serious threat to unborn children. DSHS is tracking the number of pregnant women with Zika in the state, working with providers and reporting weekly data to the national Zika pregnancy registry. DSHS is studying past microcephaly data to understand the prevalence and patterns of this condition in Texas.

DSHS has been emphasizing precautions, specifically for travelers and pregnant women, through an ongoing public education campaign and via www.TexasZika.org.

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(News Media Contact: Carrie Williams, 512-776-7119, carrie.williams@dshs.state.tx.us)
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http://www.dshs.texas.gov/news/releases/2016/20160809.aspx

 

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[FONT=&quot]8/9/2016[/FONT]
Harris County Confirms First Zika-Associated Death in Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sandy Kachur
713.439.6292

Harris County Confirms First Zika-Associated Death in Texas

Harris County, Texas (August 9, 2016) - Harris County Public Health (HCPH) has confirmed a
Zika-associated death in a newborn female, making it the first Zika-related death in the State of
Texas. HCPH received a positive Zika test result on an infant who was born with birth defects,
including microcephaly. The child died shortly after being born. The mother traveled to Latin
America during her pregnancy where it is suspected she became infected, and delivered the baby in
Harris County.

?The saddest outcome of Zika?s health effects often impact the most vulnerable. We are devastated to
report our first case of Zika-associated death and our hearts go out to the family,? stated Umair A.
Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director of HCPH. ?While this is a travel-associated case, we know that
prevention is key to reducing the risk of Zika virus infection. Harris County Public Health continues
to actively work on protecting the community from mosquito-related diseases, but individuals must
also protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes locally and abroad.?

HCPH continues to encourage residents to take precautions to prevent Zika infection. When
outdoors, prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains one of the
following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow product instructions.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, a member of the state Task Force on Infectious Disease
Preparedness and Response said, ?Despite the horrible news regarding the recent Zika-related death,
the residents of Harris County should be reassured that their county and state officials are continuing
to monitor Zika-related developments worldwide and have plans in place to respond to any potential
risks to public health. County health officials and emergency management personnel have been
studying Zika intently and are prepared to respond to any local developments.?

Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of the Aedes species mosquito. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of Zika are usually mild and include
fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and joint-pain, lasting several days to a week. Zika can also be
transmitted sexually. CDC has confirmed Zika is linked to birth defects. Severe disease requiring
hospitalization is uncommon and death is rare. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat
Zika virus infection.

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