Four Suspect Zika Cases In Dallas County Texas

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DCHHS update on 2 Zika confirmed cases cites four more suspect cases.

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DCHHS Provides Update on 
Zika Virus Cases

 

DALLAS (Feb. 4, 2016) – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has completed the initial public health investigation on the two Zika cases reported Feb. 2. Both patients have recovered fully. As part of the public health follow-up, the patients have been advised to follow up with their physician. DCHHS conducted mosquito surveillance in the area of the patients’ residence and did not identify any mosquito/vector activity. See the DCHHS health advisory for more information.DCHHS does not have further updates on the two cases reported Feb. 2.

 

DCHHS is awaiting four Zika virus specimen results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

For information on Zika virus, go to the DCHHS website.

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For additional information, contact:

 

Erikka D. Neroes, Public Information Officer
[email protected]
214.819.6329 (office) 214.394.8109 (cell)

 

 Zachary Thompson, Director  
214.755.9299 (cell)

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Zika Zika virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Deaths are rare. Transmission Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots, and vases. They are aggressive daytime biters, prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. A mother already infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery can pass on the virus to her newborn around the time of birth. It is possible that Zika virus could be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Zika is an emerging virus. As of January 2016, there were no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found. As of January 2016, there was one report of possible spread of Zika virus through blood transfusion and one report of possible spread through sexual contact. Symptoms About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill (i.e., develop Zika). The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Deaths are rare. See your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms and have visited an area where Zika virus is present. If you have recently traveled, tell your healthcare provider when and where. Treatment No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika infections. Treat the symptoms: Get plenty of rest. Drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Take medicines, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication. If you have Zika virus, avoid mosquito bites for the first week of your illness. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people. Prevention DCHHS recommends everyone use the 4Ds to reduce the chance of being bitten by a mosquito. DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Remove all standing water in and around your home. DUSK & DAWN: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active.   Travelers can protect themselves further by doing the following: Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or screens on windows or doors. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside or in a room that is not well-screened. Sexual partners can protect each other by using condoms.   Pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant can protect themselves further by taking the following precautions: Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant or who are thinking about becoming pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip. Downloadable Information DCHHS Zika Virus Brochure in English en Español DCHHS Zika Virus Fact Sheet in Various Languages Amharic Nepali Arabic Russian English Spanish Farsi Swahili Hindi Urdu   DCHHS Side-by-Side Comparison of Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika More information DCHHS Health Advisory: Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus   CDC: Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission CDC Interim Travel Guidance 1/26/2016 CDC MMWR Interim Guidelines for the Evaluation and Testing of Infants with Possible Congenital Zika Virus Infections 1/26/2016 CDC Interim Travel Guidance 1/22/2016 CDC Interim Travel Guidance 1/15/2016 For Providers: Zika Virus Specimen Submissions DCHHS Zika Clinical Specimen Submission and Testing Form DCHHS Instructions for Healthcare Providers for Submission of Specimens for Zika Virus Testing * There are currently no reports of Zika virus being locally-transmitted by mosquitoes in Dallas County. However, imported cases make local spread by mosquitoes possible because the mosquitoes that can transmit the virus are found locally.

For general questions or for more information about Dallas County Health and Human Services, please email Director Zachary Thompson at: [email protected]   Zachary S. Thompson Director Christopher Perkins, D.O., M.P.H. Medical Director / Health Authority     Last Updated: 02/04/2016http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/zika.html

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Zika Virus – Feb. 4, 2016

Texas has 10 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Harris County – 7

Bexar County – 1

Dallas County – 2

Zika is primarily 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. There have been reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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
• Avoiding or limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

Texas Zika Virus

DSHS News Releases

CDC Zika Virus

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

 

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4 More Patients Tested for Zika in North Texas

The county's first two confirmed Zika patients have fully recovered, according to health officials.

By Frank Heinz

Officials in North Texas have tested four additional patients for Zika virus and are awaiting the results, according to the Dallas County Health and Human Services.

The specimens were submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Authorities have not released further details about the specimens or said when the results are expected.

• Va. Woman Contracts Zika on Mission Trip to Guatemala

Two Zika patients confirmed in North Texas earlier this week have fully recovered from the virus, according to the DCHHS. Those cases involved a person who traveled to Venezuela and had sexual contact with another person upon returning to Dallas, officials said.

Not much is known about the Dallas patients except that neither was pregnant and there was no risk to a developing fetus.

Zika Virus Spreads Across the Americas, May Be Connected to Birth Defect

 

 

County health officials conducted mosquito surveillance near where the patients lived and did not identify any mosquito activity.

The Zika virus is usually spread through mosquito bites. DCHHS said Tuesday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the second Zika diagnosis, while the county health department confirmed through a follow-up interview with the patient that the virus had been sexually transmitted.

• Florida Gov. Declares Zika Emergency With 9 Cases Reported

The CDC previously said it was aware of reports of the virus being spread through sexual contact, but had not confirmed the transmission method.

Common symptoms of Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week, Dallas County health officials said.

• UPDATEDTexas Zika Case Is the 1st Transmitted in U.S.: CDC

The virus can have far more harmful effects on women who are infected while pregnant. Zika has led to reports of microcephaly in infants ad other "poor pregnancy outcomes," according to the CDC.

Those with symptoms, or those who have had sexual contact with someone who has symptoms, are urged to seek immediate medical care, to protect themselves from further mosquito bites and to avoid unprotected sexual contact.

 

Published 2 hours ago

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/Dallas-County-Health-Awaiting-Results-on-Four-Additional-Zika-Tests-367685201.html

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Zika Virus – Feb. 5, 2016

Texas has 10 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Harris County – 7

Bexar County – 1

Dallas County – 2

Zika is primarily 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. There have been reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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
• Avoiding or limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

Texas Zika Virus

DSHS News Releases

CDC Zika Virus

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

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DCHHS Advises Dallas County Residents to Follow CDC Zika Virus Guidance

 

 

DALLAS (Feb. 5, 2016) – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is advising Dallas County residents to be aware of new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding Zika virus. 

 

“DCHHS is staying in constant communication with local, state, and federal partners to ensure we have the most current information,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “In addition to the usual recommendations we have been giving Dallas County residents, we encourage them to be aware of and follow CDC guidance as well to protect themselves and their loved ones from all mosquito-borne viruses, including Zika.” 

 

DCHHS recommends everyone use the 4Ds to reduce the chance of being bitten by a mosquito: 
·         DEET All Day, Every Day: Whenever you’re outside, use insect repellents that contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and follow instructions. 
·         Dress: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside. 
·         Drain: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace. 
·         Dusk & Dawn: Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

 

Standing water can be treated with EPA-approved larvicides that are available for retail purchase. Larvicides are products used to kill immature mosquitoes before they become adults. Larvicides are applied directly to water sources that hold mosquito eggs, larvae, or pupae. When used well, larvicides can help reduce the overall mosquito burden by limiting the number of mosquitoes that are produced, according to the CDC.

 

Travelers can protect themselves further by doing the following:
·         Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or screens on windows or doors.
·         Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside or in a room that is not well-screened.

 

Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority, said in addition to DCHHS’ traditional recommendations for preventing mosquito-borne viruses, the latest CDC guidance is important in helping prevent transmission and spread of Zika virus locally, and to pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant.

 

“Pregnant women, those planning to become pregnant, and their partners traveling to or from areas where Zika virus is active should follow guidance from CDC,” said Perkins. “Furthermore, pregnant women should use condoms for the duration of their pregnancy or abstain from sexual activity altogether.”

 

DCHHS plans to make updates on Zika virus as more information becomes available.

 

Click here to see: CDC issues Interim Guidelines for Preventing Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus and Updated Interim Guidelines for Health Care Providers Caring for Pregnant Women and Women of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure

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Zika Virus – Feb. 8, 2016

Texas has 10 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Harris County – 7

Bexar County – 1

Dallas County – 2

Zika is primarily 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. There have been reports of microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to follow travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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
• Avoiding or limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito times

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

Texas Zika Virus

DSHS News Releases

CDC Zika Virus

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

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Zika virus is primarily spread to people through mosquito bites. Rarely, the virus is spread from mother to child. Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact have also been reported.

Approximately 80% of people infected with the virus do not become ill. For those who do develop symptoms, illness is generally mild and typically lasts a few days to a week. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and fatalities are rare. An increase in Guillain-Barré syndrome was noted during an outbreak of Zika virus in French Polynesia in 2014. An increase in microcephaly was noted during an outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil in 2015. Whether Zika virus infection causes these conditions has not yet been established.

Zika in Texas

Zika Virus – Feb. 8, 2016

Texas has 10 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Harris County – 7
Bexar County – 1
Dallas County – 2

DSHS encourages people to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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

Read more tips about mosquito bite prevention on the DSHS website.

Visit the DSHS Spanish Zika page.

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

http://www.texaszika.org/

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Zika Virus – Feb. 9, 2016

Texas has 10 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Harris County – 7
Bexar County – 1
Dallas County – 2

DSHS encourages people to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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

Read more tips about mosquito bite prevention on the DSHS website.

Visit the DSHS Spanish Zika page.

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

http://www.texaszika.org/

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Zika Virus – Feb. 10, 2016

Texas has 10 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Harris County – 7
Bexar County – 1
Dallas County – 2

DSHS encourages people to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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

Read more tips about mosquito bite prevention on the DSHS website.

Visit the DSHS Spanish Zika page.

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

http://www.texaszika.org/

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Zika Virus – Feb. 11, 2016

Texas has 11 cases of Zika virus disease. Nine are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Bexar County – 2
Dallas County – 2
Harris County – 7

DSHS encourages people to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel precautions for regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

DSHS recommends travelers avoid mosquito bites while abroad and for seven days after returning, in case they have been 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

Read more tips about mosquito bite prevention on the DSHS website.

Visit the DSHS Spanish Zika page.

Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m.

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Zika in Texas

Zika Virus – Feb. 12, 2016

Texas has 12 cases of Zika virus disease. 11 are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Bexar County – 3
Dallas County – 2
Harris County – 7

http://www.texaszika.org/

 

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Zika Virus – Feb. 17, 2016

Texas has 12 cases of Zika virus disease. 11 are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Bexar County – 3
Dallas County – 2
Harris County – 7

http://www.texaszika.org/

 

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Zika Virus – Feb. 18, 2016

Texas has 12 cases of Zika virus disease. 11 are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Bexar County – 3
Dallas County – 2
Harris County – 7

http://www.texaszika.org/

 

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Zika Virus – Feb. 19, 2016

Texas has 12 cases of Zika virus disease. 11 are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Bexar County – 3
Dallas County – 2
Harris County – 7

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Zika Virus – Feb. 22, 2016

Texas has 13 cases of Zika virus disease. 12 are travelers who were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case counts by county: 

Bexar County – 3
Dallas County – 2
Harris County – 7
Travis County - 1

http://www.texaszika.org/