Six Confirmed Cases Of Zika Virus In Texas
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TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed there are six travel-related cases of Zika virus disease in the state.
The travelers were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. No local transmissions of the disease in the continental United States were reported.
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and pinkeye. Symptoms are usually mild, and most people exposed to Zika virus won't develop any symptoms at all.
Reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant are prevalent.
DSHS is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Travelers should do their best to avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they were exposed to Zika virus.
People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by -
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Using EPA-registered insect repellents
- Using permethrin-treated clothing and gear
- Staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.
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