Zika case in Texas linked to Miami travel
Health officials say a Texas resident who recently traveled to the area of Miami where local Zika transmission occurred has tested positive for the virus.
"This is the first Texas case to be linked to travel within the continental United States," the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a statement on Monday.
Health officials linked the case to Miami travel after investigating factors such as travel dates and when symptoms appeared.
The El Paso County resident sought testing after becoming ill. Health officials say it's that county's first case and no other evidence of the virus or local transmission has been found there.
Zika is mainly spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes, though it can also be transmitted through sex. It usually causes only minor symptoms like a mild fever and rash -- and often no symptoms at all, but the virus is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it has been shown to cause a birth defect called microcephaly in babies.
To date, Texas has reported more than 100 cases of Zika associated with travel to areas with active transmission. There haven't been any reported cases of Zika transmitted by mosquitoes within the state.
The CDC recommends the following steps to avoid mosquito bites:
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use an insect repellent containing DEET that is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, as directed.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and outdoor gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents. You can buy pre-treated clothing and gear or treat them yourself.
- Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.