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Woman Has the First Mosquito Transmitted Case of Zika in Texas

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Tony Maples Photography

 

It seemed inevitable that this would eventually happen after 250 cases of Zika in Texas were reported this year. Now, the first case of a mosquito locally transmitting the disease in the Lone Star State has been confirmed.

“We knew it was only a matter of time before we saw a Zika case spread by a mosquito in Texas. We still don’t believe the virus will become widespread in Texas, but there could be more cases, so people need to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, the DSHS commissioner, to the Houston Chronicle.

The victim is a woman in Brownsville, Texas, near the Mexican border. USA Today confirms that reports say she hasn’t traveled recently, and she is not pregnant. There are no further updates on her health at this time.

When it comes to this woman’s neighborhood, health officials aren’t taking any chances. Cameron County has sent workers to people’s doorstep to help them locate any potential mosquito breeding areas like standing water. They’re also requesting to test each person’s urine to make sure that they have not contracted the virus. Investigations are expected to continue to make sure Texans do everything they can to stop the spread of Zika.