Local News

Infant is First Zika-Related Death in Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Zika has claimed the life of an infant for the first time in Texas. The death was confirmed to be Zika-related by Harris County officials this Tuesday. The infant was born with microcephaly, which is a birth defect that has impacted over 4,000 infants in Brazil alone.

The infant’s mother visited Latin America during her pregnancy where she contracted the virus and unknowingly passed it to her infant. Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner Dr. John Hellerstedt told ABC 13 that, “Zika’s impact on unborn babies can be tragic, and our hearts are with this family. Our central mission from the beginning has been to do everything we can to protect unborn babies from the devastating effects of Zika.”

Because health officials refer to this as a “travel-related case,” they say there is not an increased risk for Texans. But that doesn’t mean that Texans can rest easy. For example, Dallas has begun preparing for an outbreak after 22 cases were confirmed in the area. There are 97 known cases in all of Texas, but many cases will go undetected.

People should do all they can to avoid being bit by mosquitos by wearing repellant and eliminating any standing water on their property. Pregnant women can liberally apply DEET-free repellant.