Texas Zika iIlness linked to Miami travel (DSHS, August 15, 2016)

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[h=1]Texas Zika Illness Linked to Miami Travel[/h] [h=2]News Release
August 15, 2016[/h] A Texas resident who recently traveled to an area of Miami with local Zika transmission has tested positive for the virus. The traveler, an El Paso County resident, recently returned from the area and sought testing after becoming ill.
This is the first Texas case to be linked to travel within the continental United States. The case will be classified as ?travel-associated? and is being investigated for more details.
Health officials linked this case to Miami travel after closely evaluating travel dates, symptom onset date and known local transmission of Zika virus in Miami. This will be El Paso County?s first Zika case, and the county has found no other evidence of the virus or local transmission.
Excluding this case, Texas has reported 108 cases associated with travel to areas with active Zika transmission. This count includes three pregnant women, two infants infected before birth, and one person who had sexual contact with a traveler.
There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas, but Texas is on alert for the possibility of local transmission. State efforts have been underway since January to delay and minimize the impact of Zika on Texas.
To avoid infecting local mosquitoes, people who travel to areas with active Zika transmission should apply insect repellent every time they go outside for at least three weeks after they return to Texas ? and longer if they develop an illness that could be Zika. State health officials urge everyone to visit www.TexasZika.org and 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.

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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/Texas-Zika-Case-Linked-to-Miami.aspx

 

[sharon sanders]

I wonder if this is truly a transmission from Florida - or - from Mexico. El Paso is on the border and there are 10 million crossings at this location each year. link

Zika is in Mexico. PAHO link

Also please see:

First Zika case reported in Idaho - travel-related to Mexico - August 3, 2016


Is Texas reluctant to disclose their own local Zika case (or wishful thinking)?


Disclaimer: I live in Florida. I have no ties to the tourist industry.

 

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Texas Zika case linked to Miami travel

Susan Miller, USA TODAY 10:29 a.m. EDT August 16, 2016
...
Infectious disease expert Peter Hotez notes that travelers infected with Zika have been returning to Texas for months.

"It's probably not a huge story, given that on any particular day there may be many people from Zika-endemic areas of Central America coming into El Paso," said Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Houston's Baylor College of Medicine.
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http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2016/08/16/texas-zika-case-linked-miami-travel/88807766/

 

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• 
  081516 - First travel related Zika case confirmed

August 15, 2016 NEWS RELEASE

First travel-related case of Zika confirmed in El Paso

Case serves as a reminder to prevent mosquito bites, breeding

EL PASO, Texas-The City of El Paso Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today the confirmation of
the first travel-related case of Zika virus in the area. A man tested positive for the virus following travel to an
area where active mosquito transmission of Zika is currently taking place and travel advisories have been
issued.

?The patient provided blood and urine samples which were tested and came back positive. What we know is
that this individual is recovering and is not considered a threat to the community,? said Robert Resendes,
Public Health Director. ?What we need is the community to take note that Zika virus is real, and we must
protect ourselves and the community.?

The mosquito-borne virus has caused the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue
travel warnings for pregnant women. The DPH is also encouraging anyone who may be traveling to Zika affected
regions including certain areas of Florida, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Pacific
Islands, and U.S. territories to take strict precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.

Because Zika can also be transmitted sexually, pregnant women with a male partner who travels to a Zikaaffected
area should either abstain from sexual activity, or use condoms correctly and consistently for the
duration of their pregnancy to protect the unborn fetus from the risk of severe birth defects, including
microcephaly. Additionally, non-pregnant women of childbearing age who travel, or who have a male partner
that travels, to a Zika-affected region, should talk with their healthcare providers about their pregnancy plans
and take steps to avoid any unintended pregnancy, including correct and consistent condom use.

According to the Department of State Health Services, there are 108 reported cases of Zika virus disease in
Texas.
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