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Delaware Division of Public Health: Confirmed Zika case not a 'threat' to DelawareansBy Amy Cherry 4:49pm, February 10, 2016 - Updated 4:53pm, February 10, 2016Despite Delaware's first laboratory-confirmed case of the Zika virus, state health officials reassured the public Wednesday that there's no concern for local infection. "There's no threat to the general public's health from confirmed or suspected cases," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. State public health officials said the adult woman who contracted the Zika virus traveled to a part of the world affected by the mosquito-borne illness, but refused to say where she went. Officials also refused to release the woman's age and where she lives in Delaware. "We are protecting the personal privacy for that individual," said Rattay. "It is our obligation." The Zika virus outbreak has caused the Centers for Disease Control to warn pregnant women to postpone travel, if at all possible, to places where Zika is confirmed due to the threat of serious birth defects. Those locations include: Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Panama. Pregnant women are also being urged to schedule a screening with a doctor if they've traveled to Central or South America, or the Caribbean, where Zika is prominent. Their male partners should also be screened because Rattay said the virus can be transmitted sexually from men to women. "There are two probable cases from a male partner to a female partner via sexual transmission, but there are no known examples of that transmission from a female to a male," explained Rattay, adding they've not seen blood transfusions cause contraction either. Rattay said the woman in Delaware who contracted Zika was tested last week. State public health officials said she was not pregnant. She was also never hospitalized and has fully recovered from the virus, which presented mild flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms can include a fever, rash, conjunctivitis, and joint pain, but the state's top public health official said many people who contract the Zika virus present no symptoms at all. There's also no treatment for the Zika virus--symptoms usually go away on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medication. "This is not an illness that's as severe as influenza as we're in the winter with influenza season where you see very, very high fever often, aches and pains, many people hospitalized and people dying, this...presents as a very mild illness," said Rattay. The main carrier of the Zika virus is the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Asian tiger mosquitos also have the potential to carry the virus. The virus is spread from mosquito to person to mosquito, but Rattay said she's confident there's no risk for local infection tied to this case. "At this point in time there have been no cases transmitted, certainly, in this part of the world from this mosquito. We do not see this particular type of mosquito commonly at all in Delaware," said Rattay. "Although the science is evolving, there are no known cases through blood transfusion." While traveling overseas to areas affected by the Zika virus, people are cautioned to wear insect repellent with DEET and to sleep under bed nets. Wearing long sleeves and long pants is also recommended to avoid being bitten. --- Contact Amy Cherry at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @acherry13. http://www.wdel.com/story/73375-delaware-division-of-public-health-confirmed-zika-case-not-a-threat-to-delawareans

Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong’s Daily Zika UpdateBy Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications February 10, 2016 Press ReleaseSHARE THIS PAGEFacebookTwitter Feb. 10, 2016 SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE Contact:Communications [email protected](850) 245-4111 Tallahassee, Fla.—In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong will issue a Zika virus update each week day at 2 p.m. Updates will include a CDC-confirmed Zika case count by county and information to better keep Floridians prepared.There are no new cases today. Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the CDC will host a conference call and webinar with Florida health care professionals - including OBGYNS, doctors and those who work with pregnant women - on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions. The CDC call and webinar will take place tomorrow afternoon and the Florida Department of Health will be sharing information with health care professionals on how to participate. Yesterday, the Governor announced that the CDC sent 950 Zika antibody tests to Florida. Florida has 1,425 antibody tests to determine whether a person has ever been infected with the Zika virus. County Number of Cases (all travel related) Broward 2 Hillsborough 3 Lee 2 Miami-Dade 6 Osceola 1 Santa Rosa 1 St. Johns 1 Total 16 All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here. State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors. More Information on DOH action on Zika: Last week, Governor Scott directed State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.The Declaration currently includes the seven effected counties – Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Santa Rosa and St. Johns – and will be updated as needed. According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.Last week, Governor Scott authorized DOH to purchase 4,000 more testing kits to test for active Zika cases (different than antibody testing kits). For more information on Zika virus, click here.About the Florida Department of Health The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov. http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2016/02/021016-zika-update-5.html

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OHA News Release ShareThis Facebook Tweet Google + Email Media contact:Jonathan ModieOHA Public [email protected] 2/10/2016State confirms first travel-associated Zika case of 2016Travelers should take precautions when visiting affected countriesEDITORS: Oregon Public Health has scheduled a media availability with Richard Leman, MD, from 1 to 2 p.m. TODAY in Room 918 (ninth floor) of the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St. The Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division is confirming that a person in Oregon has been diagnosed with a travel-associated Zika virus infection. The adult woman contracted the virus in an affected country outside the U.S. and has recovered. There is no danger to the public.This is the first laboratory-confirmed case of Zika in Oregon in 2016. Before this, three Oregonians have had travel-associated Zika confirmed since 2014.Zika is spread by certain types of mosquitoes that bite an infected person, then bite an uninfected person. Sexual transmission of the disease also has been reported, though this appears to be rare. Zika symptoms, which include fever, rash, joint pain and redness of the eyes, are mild, and serious illness requiring hospitalization is uncommon. However, Zika may endanger pregnancies, so women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should be particularly careful to avoid the disease.“We have been informing physicians whom to test for Zika and sharing information on how travelers can protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes,” says Richard Leman, MD, an OHA public health physician. “We want to help Oregonians protect themselves.”The Oregon Health Authority is in regular contact with health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is partnering with the World Health Organization and other global health organizations to ensure the latest and most up-to-date information about the Zika outbreak is available to health agencies around the world.Helpful links:OHA, www.healthoregon.org, for updates on Zika in Oregon.CDC, www.cdc.gov/zika/, for updates on national Zika outbreak.Call 2-1-1 for general Zika information in Oregon.

Oregon HAPHD has confirmed Zika in a traveler http://www.oregon.gov/oha/news/Pages/State confirms first travel-associated Zika case of 2016.aspx

ReferencesZanluca C, de Melo VC, Mosimann ALP, Dos Santos GI, Dos Santos CN, Luz K. First report of autochthonous transmission of Zika virus in Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015;110:569–72. CrossRef PubMedVictoria CG, Schuler-Faccini L, Matijasevich A, Ribeiro E, Pessoa A, Barros FC. Microcephaly in Brazil: how to interpret reported numbers? Lancet 2016. Epub February 5, 2016. CrossRefSchuler-Faccini L, Ribeiro EM, Feitosa IML, et al. ; Brazilian Medical Genetics Society–Zika Embryopathy Task Force. Possible association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly—Brazil, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:59–62. CrossRef PubMedBhatnagar J, Blau DM, Shieh WJ, et al. Molecular detection and typing of dengue viruses from archived tissues of fatal cases by rt-PCR and sequencing: diagnostic and epidemiologic implications. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012;86:335–40. CrossRef PubMedShieh WJ, Blau DM, Denison AM, et al. 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1): pathology and pathogenesis of 100 fatal cases in the United States. Am J Pathol 2010;177:166–75. CrossRefPubMed Top * Updated information about local transmission of Zika virus is available online (http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html).

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is related to dengue virus and transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, with humans acting as the principal amplifying host during outbreaks. Zika virus was first reported in Brazil in May 2015 (1). By February 9, 2016, local transmission of infection had been reported in 26 countries or territories in the Americas.* Infection is usually asymptomatic, and, when symptoms are present, typically results in mild and self-limited illness with symptoms including fever, rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis. However, a surge in the number of children born with microcephaly was noted in regions of Brazil with a high prevalence of suspected Zika virus disease cases. More than 4,700 suspected cases of microcephaly were reported from mid-2015 through January 2016, although additional investigations might eventually result in a revised lower number (2). In response, the Brazil Ministry of Health established a task force to further investigate possible connections between the virus and brain anomalies in infants (3). Since November 2015, CDC has been developing assays for Zika virus testing in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. In December 2015, FFPE tissues samples from two newborns (born at 36 and 38 weeks gestation) with microcephaly who died within 20 hours of birth and two miscarriages (fetal losses at 11 and 13 weeks) were submitted to CDC, from the state of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil, for histopathologic evaluation and laboratory testing for suspected Zika virus infection. All four mothers had clinical signs of Zika virus infection, including fever and rash, during the first trimester of pregnancy, but did not have clinical signs of active infection at the time of delivery or miscarriage. The mothers were not tested for antibodies to Zika virus. Samples included brain and other autopsy tissues from the two newborns, a placenta from one of the newborns, and products of conception from the two miscarriages. FFPE tissues were tested by Zika virus reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting the nonstructural protein 5 and envelope genes using general methods for RT-PCR (4), and by immunohistochemistry using a mouse polyclonal anti-Zika virus antibody, using methods previously described (5). Specific specimens from all four cases were positive by RT-PCR, and sequence analysis provided further evidence of Zika virus infection, revealing highest identities with Zika virus strains isolated from Brazil during 2015. In the newborns, only brain tissue was positive by RT-PCR assays. Specimens from two of the four cases were positive by immunohistochemistry: viral antigen was noted in mononuclear cells (presumed to be glial cells and neurons within the brain) of one newborn, and within the chorionic villi from one of the miscarriages. Testing for dengue virus was negative by RT-PCR in specimens from all cases. For both newborns, significant histopathologic changes were limited to the brain, and included parenchymal calcification, microglial nodules, gliosis, and cell degeneration and necrosis. Other autopsy tissues and placenta had no significant findings. Tests for toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and HIV were negative in the two mothers who experienced miscarriages. Placental tissue from one miscarriage showed heterogeneous chorionic villi with calcification, fibrosis, perivillous fibrin deposition, and patchy intervillositis and focal villitis, while tissue from the other miscarriage had sparsely sampled normal-appearing chorionic villi. This report describes evidence of a link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly and fetal demise through detection of viral RNA and antigens in brain tissues from infants with microcephaly and placental tissues from early miscarriages. Histopathologic findings indicate the presence of Zika virus in fetal tissues. These findings also suggest brain and early gestational placental tissue might be the preferred tissues for postmortem viral diagnosis. Nonfrozen, formalin-fixed specimens or FFPE blocks are the preferred sample type for histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR can be performed on either fresh frozen or formalin-fixed specimens. To better understand the pathogenesis of Zika virus infection and associated congenital anomalies and fetal death, it is necessary to evaluate autopsy and placental tissues from additional cases, and to determine the effect of gestational age during maternal illness on fetal outcomes.

Roosecelis Brasil Martines, MD, PhD1; Julu Bhatnagar, PhD1; M. Kelly Keating, DVM1; Luciana Silva-Flannery, PhD1; Atis Muehlenbachs, MD, PhD1; Joy Gary, DVM, PhD1; Cynthia Goldsmith, MS1; Gillian Hale, MD1; Jana Ritter, DVM1; Dominique Rollin, MD1; Wun-Ju Shieh, MD, PhD1; Kleber G. Luz, MD, PhD2; Ana Maria de Oliveira Ramos, MD, PhD3; Helaine Pompeia Freire Davi, MD, PhD4; Wanderson Kleber de Oliveria, MD5; Robert Lanciotti, PhD6; Amy Lambert, PhD6; Sherif Zaki, MD, PhD1 (View author affiliations) Corresponding author: Roosecelis Brasil Martines, [email protected], 404-639-3886. Top 1Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), CDC;2Department of Infectious Diseases, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; 3Department of Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil;4Service for Ascertaining Death in the State of Rio Grande do Norte (SVO/RN), Natal/RN, Brazil; 5Ministry of Health, Brazil; 6Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, NCEZID, CDC.

Notes from the Field: Evidence of Zika Virus Infection in Brain and Placental Tissues from Two Congenitally Infected Newborns and Two Fetal Losses — Brazil, 2015Early Release / February 10, 2016 / 65(06);1–2 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6506e1er.htm?s_cid=mm6506e1er_e

Rosa Salazar, 36, who is five months pregnant, stands in an alley of the Petare slum, east of Caracas, on 3 February. The Zika virus is suspected of being connected with microcephaly, a birth defect. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty ImagesStephen Gibbs in Caracas Wednesday 10 February 2016 05.00 ESTLast modified on Wednesday 10 February 201612.31 EST Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInShare on Google+Shares148Comments56 Save for laterYou can spot them by their warm winter clothes, despite the tropical heat. Inside a dingy public health clinic in the Libertador municipality of Caracas, half a dozen people are waiting to find out if they have the Zika virus. “It’s the chills that are the worst,” says Angy, 21. She displays a scarlet rash on both her upper arms. Alongside her, her mother, Belkis Carillo, a nurse, needs no convincing. “Everyone is catching it,” she says. “My sister, my cousin, my nephew. They’ve all had it.” Medical staff said they had been strictly instructed not to give details on the number of patients confirmed infected Zika has arrived in Venezuela with cruel timing, in the midst of the steepest recession in living memory. The crash in the price of the country’s only significant export, oil, has brought the long-mismanaged economy closer to total collapse. The International Monetary Fund predicts inflation will hit 720% in 2016. Many economists say a default before the end of the year is more likely than not. As its government runs out of dollars, all imports, including medicines, have been radically cut back. At the Libertador clinic, handwritten notes plead with patients not to bother asking for HIV or hepatitis tests until further notice. The test kits ran out months ago. Venezuela president declares economic emergency as inflation hits 141% Read moreAnd, just as the authorities are accused of being overly secretive as to the real state of the economy (the official inflation figure – more than 140% – was only released in January after a 12-month delay), critics say a cover-up over the severity of Zika is under way too. All the medical staff the Guardian spoke to at the Libertador clinic said they had been strictly instructed not to give any details on the number of patients confirmed infected. The official health ministry count of the number of Zika infections nationwide is between 4,500 and 4,700. “We Venezuelans have a name for that,” says Belkis. “It’s called a ‘fantasy figure’.” Doctors agree. A private association, the Network to Defend National Epidemiology, estimates that it is more likely Venezuela has 400,000 cases. Neighbouring Colombia, has reported 25,645 cases of Zika. One possible indication of the prevalence of the virus is that the first known sexually transmitted case in the US has a Venezuelan connection. The infected patient’s partner is understood to have contracted the disease during a recent visit. On Tuesday, China confirmed that the only case it has so far detected is a man who travelled to Venezuela in January. FacebookTwitterPinterest A woman who suspects her child to be infected with the Zika virus waits at an emergency room in a Caracas. Photograph: Marco Bello/ReutersA couple of miles down the road from the clinic there is another queue, of perhaps 50 people, at the vast Concepción Palacios maternity hospital. Julimar Beumon, 19, is four months pregnant and waiting for a check up. “I’m worried,” she says. Venezuelan authorities are looking into one recent case of microcephaly, the birth defect in which babies are born with unusually small heads, which is suspected of being connected to the Zika virus. Play VideoPlayMute Current Time0:00/Duration Time4:32Loaded: 0% Progress: 0%Fullscreen FacebookTwitterPinterestLiving with microcephaly: ‘It drives me to achieve my goals’The baby was born on 27 January at the infant maternity hospital in the El Valle district of the city, which is now named after the late president Hugo Chávez, who died in 2013. AdvertisementInside its cavernous entrance, a huge poster of Chávez comforting a young child is on display. “Only possible in Socialism”, reads the script underneath. Accessible healthcare for all was one of the boasts of his political movement. But now the hospital is another example of the severe strains Venezuela’s health system is facing. Workers the Guardian spoke to inside the hospital, who asked not to be identified, complained of a chronic shortage of medicines – and even more basic supplies: one worker said that there had not been running water at the hospital for more than a month. The Venezuelan Pharmaceutical Federation has said that 70% of basic medicines in the country are in short supply. Venezuela’s health minister, Luisana Melo, has also indicated that there has been a notable spike in the number of cases of Guillain-Barré, a rare disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks nerve cells, which may also be linked to Zika. About 255 cases are being investigated; 55 of those affected are in intensive care. Venezuelans are used to storing water; inadvertently creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes Their treatment is complicated owing to a nationwide shortage of immunoglobulin, one of the therapies for the condition. Families of those affected have made appeals on social media for supplies. The state-run pharmaceutical company Quimbiotec, the only national producer, reportedly shut down production last August, owing to a lack of raw materials. It has said operations will restart soon. Julimar says at her home there are mosquitoes everywhere, and always have been. The protection she takes is in the form of a treasured bottle of mosquito repellent. She uses it sparingly; repellent, like everything else, is in short supply. A search for the most common brand, OFF!, on the website of the two main pharmacies in Venezuela shows zero availability. A further challenge is that most homes in Venezuela, like public buildings (including hospitals), have only intermittent running water; the result of an ongoing drought and years of inadequate investment and maintenance. That means Venezuelans are used to storing water; inadvertently creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The government has pledged an information campaign and is increasing scheduled anti-mosquito fumigation visits. Back at the Concepción Palacios hospital, another woman, Karelys Pulgar, holds her belly. She is pregnant with her sixth child, and says she is praying everything will be OK. And, in the absence of any other option, she has started her own low-tech routine. She burns empty egg cartons inside her home. “The smoke scares off the mosquitoes, I hope,” she says.

'Everyone is catching it': Venezuelans fear the worst as Zika infections riseThe numbers infected with the Zika virus could be as high as 400,000 say experts, and medicine is in short supply as the country’s recession takes a toll http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/10/venezuela-zika-virus-infections-rise-recession

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Metro Health confirms 2 new cases of Zika in Bexar County10:12 a.m. CST February 10, 2016(Photo: KENS 5) CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMOREMetro Health officials have confirmed to KENS 5 that there are two new cases of the Zika Virus in Bexar County. One case was confirmed on February 2, and six were under investigation. As of Wednesday, Metro Health officials said there are three confirmed cases, and three suspected cases under investigation. KENS 5 Metro Health: Six people in Bexar Co. tested for Zika virus The individuals reportedly all acquired the illness while traveling internationally. Officials said they have gone through the incubation period and are at no risk to the public. Metro Health officials said test results take longer to receive because they must be sent to the CDC for confirmation. Officials said it is imperative that pregnant women who travel to affected countries get tested upon return. If there is a partner or husband who also traveled with them, they should also be tested for the virus.

Metro Health officials have confirmed to KENS 5 that there are two new cases of the Zika Virus in Bexar County. One case was confirmed on February 2, and six were under investigation. As of Wednesday, Metro Health officials said there are three confirmed cases, and three suspected cases under investigation. http://www.kens5.com/story/news/local/2016/02/10/metro-health-confirms-2-new-cases-zika-bexar-county/80174660/

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 – 7Bexar County – 1Dallas 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 pantsUsing EPA-registered insect repellentsUsing permethrin-treated clothing and gearStaying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned roomsRead 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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DCHHS Reports 3rd Zika Virus Case in Dallas County DALLAS (Feb. 10, 2016) – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) laboratory today confirmed a positive test result for Zika virus. DCHHS performed the preliminary test and will refer the specimen for additional testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The 45-year-old non-pregnant patient is a resident in the City of Dallas who traveled to Honduras. Upon returning to Dallas County, the patient was diagnosed with possible compatible symptoms that have resolved. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information. While sexual transmission of Zika virus is possible, it is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes species 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. DCHHS advises individuals with symptoms to see a healthcare provider if they visited an area where Zika virus is present or had sexual contact with a person who traveled to an area where Zika virus is present. There is no specific medication available to treat Zika virus and there is not a vaccine. The best way to avoid Zika virus is to avoid mosquito bites and sexual contact with a person who has Zika virus. 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 label 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 abstaining from sex or by using condoms consistently and correctly during sex.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 areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.Pregnant women who do travel to an area with active Zika virus transmission should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.Pregnant women should discuss their male partner’s potential exposures to mosquitoes and history of Zika-like illness.Women trying to become pregnant or who are thinking about becoming pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to areas with active Zika virus transmission, and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. To see countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission, go to:http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/. 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. DCHHS advises recent travelers with Zika virus symptoms as well as individuals diagnosed with the virus to protect themselves from further mosquito bites. For more information on Zika virus, go to the DCHHS website. # For additional information, contact: Erikka D. Neroes, Public Information [email protected] 214.819.6329 (office) 214.394.8109 (cell) Zachary Thompson, Director 214.755.9299 (cell)

Dallas County cited confirmation of Zika in a Dallas resident ex-Honduras

Alabama the latest state with confirmed Zika patientPosted: Feb 10, 2016 10:35 AM ESTUpdated: Feb 10, 2016 10:35 AM EST The Alabama Department of Public Health reports the first confirmed travel-related case of Zika virus in an Alabama resident, according to a news release from the agency. The positive specimen was from a resident of Morgan County. Tests are being conducted from Alabama resident specimens with a travel history to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing. In addition to the one positive, there has been one negative result and four test results are pending. “We knew it was only a matter of time before we would have the first positive case of an individual in Alabama with Zika virus,” Acting State Health Officer Dr. Tom Miller said. “Given the frequency of international travel to affected areas, we anticipate having additional positive cases. We are working with the medical community to identify high-risk individuals.” Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of Aedes species mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are the same species that transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses which have also been associated with travel-related illness over the past few years. There have been recent reports that Zika virus may also be spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact. Rarely, the virus may spread from mother to infant around the time of birth. It also may be possible to spread the virus from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. Infection with the Zika virus causes only mild symptoms in the majority of the cases, but an apparent link to birth defects and other pregnancy-related poor outcomes has been associated with infection during pregnancy. In response to concern about the Zika virus, state agencies and other key stakeholders have been alerted. “We are focusing on pregnant women and women in the reproductive age range who may become pregnant,” Dr. Miller said. All pregnant women with a history of travel to an area with Zika virus transmission should be evaluated. Pregnant women reporting clinical illness consistent with Zika virus disease during or within 2 weeks of travel should be tested for Zika virus infection. In addition, asymptomatic pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-affected areas should be tested for the Zika-virus between 2-12 weeks post travel. The specific CDC recommendations include the following: Pregnant women should not travel to Zika-affected areas.Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have pregnant partners should abstain from sex or consistently and correctly use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy for all forms of sexual activity.Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have non-pregnant partners should consider abstaining from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms.The Aedes mosquitoes are very aggressive biters and active during the day. ADPH advises the public to be aware of the risks posed by the Zika virus and to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including the following: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 as directed.Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.To help the public keep track of the status of Zika within the state, ADPH will provide regular updates each Monday that include total numbers of test samples submitted, the number with results pending, and number of positive results for Alabama residents at adph.org, search Zika. Results are currently being returned in about 14 days. ADPH will update guidance as additional recommendations are developed. Since the outbreak is ongoing, the public is asked to check for updated travel notices at the CDC website, cdc.gov, search Zika. http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/31187281/alabama-the-latest-state-with-confirmed-zika-patient

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jim McVay, Dr.P.A. (334) 206-5600 The Alabama Department of Public Health reports the first confirmed travel-related case of Zika virus in an Alabama resident. The positive specimen was from a resident of Morgan County. Tests are being conducted from Alabama resident specimens with a travel history to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing. In addition to the one positive, there has been one negative result and four test results are pending. “We knew it was only a matter of time before we would have the first positive case of an individual in Alabama with Zika virus,” Acting State Health Officer Dr. Tom Miller said. “Given the frequency of international travel to affected areas, we anticipate having additional positive cases. We are working with the medical community to identify high-risk individuals.” Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of Aedes species mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are the same species that transmit dengue and chikungunya viruses which have also been associated with travel-related illness over the past few years. There have been recent reports that Zika virus may also be spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact. Rarely, the virus may spread from mother to infant around the time of birth. It also may be possible to spread the virus from a mother to her baby during pregnancy. Infection with the Zika virus causes only mild symptoms in the majority of the cases, but an apparent link to birth defects and other pregnancy-related poor outcomes has been associated with infection during pregnancy. In response to concern about the Zika virus, state agencies and other key stakeholders have been alerted. “We are focusing on pregnant women and women in the reproductive age range who may become pregnant,” Dr. Miller said. All pregnant women with a history of travel to an area with Zika virus transmission should be evaluated. Pregnant women reporting clinical illness consistent with Zika virus disease during or within 2 weeks of travel should be tested for Zika virus infection. In addition, asymptomatic pregnant women who have traveled to Zika-affected areas should be tested for the Zika-virus between 2-12 weeks post travel. The specific CDC recommendations include the following: • Pregnant women should not travel to Zika-affected areas. • Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have pregnant partners should abstain from sex or consistently and correctly use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy for all forms of sexual activity. • Men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas and have non-pregnant partners should consider abstaining from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms. The Aedes mosquitoes are very aggressive biters and active during the day. ADPH advises the public to be aware of the risks posed by the Zika virus and to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including the following: • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. • Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 as directed. • Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms. To help the public keep track of the status of Zika within the state, ADPH will provide regular updates each Monday that include total numbers of test samples submitted, the number with results pending, and number of positive results for Alabama residents at adph.org, search Zika. Results are currently being returned in about 14 days. ADPH will update guidance as additional recommendations are developed. Since the outbreak is ongoing, the public is asked to check for updated travel notices at the CDC website, cdc.gov, search Zika. -30- 2/10/16

Alabama Dept ofPublic Health announces Zika confirmed in Morgan County traveler. http://www.adph.org/news/assets/160210.pdf

MEDIA ADVISORY: STATEWIDE MEDIA CALLDELAWARE TO ANNOUNCE TRAVEL-RELATED POSITIVE ZIKA CASE WHO:Karyl Rattay, MD, MS, Division Director, Division of Public Health (DPH) Awele Maduka-Ezeh, MD, Medical Director, DPHWHAT:DPH will announce the first Delaware Zika case in an adult female. It is travel-related and pregnancy is not an issue. Drs. Rattay and Maduka-Ezeh will share the latest recommendations and information. Zika is a generally mild illness currently widespread in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Anyone who lives or travels in the impacted areas can be infected. Zika is mosquito-borne and most people who are infected with Zika do not develop symptoms. The most serious threat linked to Zika is birth defects in infants whose mother contracted the disease. DPH is focusing its messaging and awareness on preventing exposure for pregnant women and their partners.WHEN:Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at 1:45 p.m.CALL:Dial 302-526-5475, then enter conference ID: 1627127INFORMATION: CDC information on Zika: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/DPH Zika page: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/zika.htmlFlyer for pregnant women in English: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomen.pdfFlyer for pregnant women in Spanish: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/zikaflyerforpregnantwomensp.pdfDPH special bulletin on Zika: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/dphbulletin1602zika.pdfZika information in Spanish:http://www.cdc.gov/spanish/mediosdecomunicacion/comunicados/d_recomendaciones_viajeros_virus_del_zika_011516.htmlhttp://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/pressreleases/2016/mediaadvisoryzika-020916.html

10 February 2016CHP notified of first imported case of Zika Virus Infection in Mainland The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) received notification late last night (February 9) of the first imported case of Zika Virus Infection in the Mainland from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), and again urged the public, particularly pregnant women, those planning pregnancy and immunocompromised patients, to adopt strict anti-mosquito measures during travel. According to the NHFPC, the male patient aged 34 from Ganxian, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, works in Dongguan, Guangdong. He developed fever, dizziness and headache in Venezuela on January 28 and attended a local hospital for management. He then travelled to Hong Kong on February 3 and stayed in Hong Kong International Airport until he transferred to Shenzhen by ferry on February 4. Upon arrival in Ganzhou on February 5, he was hospitalised for isolation and management on February 6. As of last night, he was afebrile with skin rash subsided. The case was laboratory confirmed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention on February 9. "Locally, as the patient has been staying within the airport with no other local movements in Hong Kong, and Zika virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, our Port Health Office has stepped up inspection in the airport to maintain strict environmental hygiene with effective mosquito control. Port Health Inspectors have reinforced training for contractors of boundary control points (BCPs) on port hygiene and pest control for effective vector prevention," a spokesman for the DH said. "We again urge those arriving from Zika-affected areas to apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival to reduce the risk of transmission. Routine health surveillance on body temperature of inbound travellers at all BCPs is ongoing. Suspected cases will be referred to healthcare facilities for follow-up. Health promotion in BCPs have been enhanced through pamphlets and posters to alert travellers to necessary measures against Zika," the spokesman added. The DH has been closely working with the travel industry and stakeholders, especially agents operating tours in Zika-affected areas and personnel receiving travellers in those areas (particularly pregnant women), to regularly update them of the latest disease information and health advice. As long as there is international travel, there is always risk of introduction of Zika virus to Hong Kong. As asymptomatic infection is very common and the potential vector, Aedes albopictus, is present locally, there is also risk of local spread in case Zika is introduced to Hong Kong. The public should pay special attention to the 33 countries with reported autochthonous circulation of Zika virus and the six other countries with indirect evidence of local transmission earlier announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). The DH has been maintaining close liaison with the WHO as well as overseas, neighbouring and the Mainland health authorities to closely monitor the latest developments of Zika. Locally, no human Zika cases have been reported to the CHP to date. To prevent Zika Virus Infection, in addition to general anti-mosquito measures, the DH drew the public's attention to special notes below: (A) Travelling abroad * If going to areas with ongoing Zika transmission (affected areas), travellers, especially those with immune disorders or severe chronic illnesses, should arrange consultation with a doctor at least six weeks before the trip, and take extra preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites; * Those arriving from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival. If feeling unwell, e.g. having fever, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible, and provide travel details to a doctor; (B) Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy * Pregnant women and those preparing for pregnancy should consider deferring their trip to affected areas. Those who must travel should seek medical advice from their doctor before the trip, adopt contraception if appropriate, strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip, and consult and reveal their travel history to their doctor if symptoms develop after the trip. Women preparing for pregnancy are advised to continue to adopt contraception for 28 days after returning from these areas; and (C) Prevention of sexual transmission * If a female partner is at risk of getting pregnant or is already pregnant, condom use is advised for a male traveller:(i) For 28 days after his return from affected areas if he had no symptoms of unexplained fever and rash; or(ii) For six months following recovery if a clinical illness compatible with Zika or laboratory confirmed Zika Virus Infection was reported. The public may visit the pages below for more disease information and health advice: * The CHP's Zika Virus Infection page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/43086.html);* The Zika page of the DH's Travel Health Service (www.travelhealth.gov.hk/english/popup/popup_zika.html);* The Outbound Travel Alert page of the Security Bureau (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota); and* Anti-mosquito precautions for women (www.fhs.gov.hk/english/health_info/woman/30014.html). Ends/Wednesday, February 10, 2016 http://www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/43309.html

Updated: 6:37 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 | Posted: 3:13 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 2 Pennsylvania residents test positive for Zika virus, health officials say 2 799 39 916 RelatedView Larger NBC News 2 Pennsylvania residents test positive for Zika virus, health officials saySponsored Links ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — State health authorities say two female Pennsylvania residents have tested positive for the Zika virus. The Pennsylvania Department of Health says the two had recently traveled to countries affected by the ongoing outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus. FREE APPS | NOW | FACEBOOK | TWITTER Stories of the day...New Castle mom says son, 8, with special needs hospitalized after bullies attacked himFlorida man arrested for tossing alligator into Wendy’sSmooth bystander trips suspect as he runs from copsPHOTOS: Mardi Gras kicks offSecretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy said officials are concerned about the health of those individuals and others who may be exposed, but the want to emphasize that the two cases "pose no threat to the public." Earlier Tuesday, health officials announced that four people in Allegheny County were being tested for the virus. It’s unclear whether any of those residents were the ones who tested positive. The health department said they’re not releasing where in the state the two infected women live. Medical authorities say most people recover in about a week from symptoms that include fever, a rash and achy joints, but doctors believe the virus puts pregnant women at serious risks for birth defects. Karen Hacker, director of the Allegheny County Health Department based in Pittsburgh, says the risk for residents in southwestern Pennsylvania is extremely low. She says the risk is for those who've traveled to areas in Central and South America where the virus is rampant. http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/health-dept-confirms-4-people-being-tested-zika-vi/nqMWj/?utm_content=buffer2c439&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer