Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
FluTrackers.com Inc. does not provide medical advice. Information on this web site is collected from various internet resources, and the FluTrackers board of directors makes no warranty to the safety, efficacy, correctness or completeness of the information posted on this site by any author or poster.
The information collated here is for instructional and/or discussion purposes only and is NOT intended to diagnose or treat any disease, illness, or other medical condition. Every individual reader or poster should seek advice from their personal physician/healthcare practitioner before considering or using any interventions that are discussed on this website.
By continuing to access this website you agree to consult your personal physican before using any interventions posted on this website, and you agree to hold harmless FluTrackers.com Inc., the board of directors, the members, and all authors and posters for any effects from use of any medication, supplement, vitamin or other substance, device, intervention, etc. mentioned in posts on this website, or other internet venues referenced in posts on this website.
We are not asking for any donations. Do not donate to any entity who says they are raising funds for us.
The first Zika-related microcephaly case in Texas has been confirmed in Harris County.
The mother, who traveled to Latin America, was tested for Zika but the results were inconclusive, according to Harris County Public Health. Her newborn was diagnosed with microcephaly at birth.
?Microcephaly is one of the worst tragedies related to Zika virus infection. We are sad to report that we now have our first case of Zika-associated microcephaly and our hearts go out to the family,? stated Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director of HCPH. ?While this remains a travel-associated case, we know that prevention is key to reducing the risk of Zika virus infection.?
Baby Born in Texas with Microcephaly Linked to Zika
News Release
July 13, 2016
Texas has received laboratory confirmation of a past Zika virus infection in a baby recently born with microcephaly in Harris County. The mother traveled from Latin America, where she was likely infected, and the baby acquired the infection in the womb. Neither baby nor mother are infectious, and there is no additional risk in Texas.
This is the first Zika-related microcephaly case in Texas.
“It’s heartbreaking. This underscores the damage Zika can have on unborn babies,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner. “Our state’s work against Zika has never been more vital.”
DSHS is coordinating with Harris County Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to follow the case.
Texas has logged 59 cases of Zika virus disease, including three confirmed cases of Zika in pregnant women. All are related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission. There have been no reported cases of Zika virus transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas.
With its link to microcephaly, Zika poses a serious threat to unborn children. DSHS is working to educate women and families about how to protect themselves through its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and via healthcare providers. DSHS is working closely with other state agencies to emphasize precaution information to their specific audiences, such as through schools, daycares and women’s health programs.
Texas has made significant progress in its efforts to delay and minimize the impact of Zika on the state. While local transmission in Texas remains likely, public health officials do not expect widespread transmission across large geographic areas of the state. Small pockets of cases in limited clusters are more likely. This assessment is based on the state’s past experience with dengue, a similar virus spread by the same mosquitoes, and on the prevalent use of window screens, air conditioning, insect repellent and other mosquito control efforts in Texas.
“Our central goal is protecting unborn babies from Zika,” said Dr. Hellerstedt. “We are on alert for local transmission and will act fast to identify actual risk and continue to do everything we can to protect Texans.”
State health officials urge everyone to follow precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
Apply EPA-approved insect repellent.
Wear pants and long-sleeve shirts that cover exposed skin. In warmer weather, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers exposed skin.
Use screens or close windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Remove standing water in and around the home. This includes water in cans, toys, tires, plant saucers, and any container that can hold water.
Cover trash cans or containers where water can collect.
For more information about Zika prevention for Texas go to www.TexasZika.org.
First Baby with Zika-Related Microcephaly Born in Texas
by Isabelle Taft July 13, 2016
A baby boy born with microcephaly in Harris County is the first Zika-affected infant in Texas, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced Wednesday.
The baby's mother contracted Zika in Colombia, and the baby was infected in the womb, according Umair Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health. The baby was born a few weeks ago in Harris County outside of Houston, and tests confirmed that he had Zika on Monday, Shah said.
... https://www.texastribune.org/2016/07/13/first-baby-zika-related-microcephaly-born-texas/
