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Two more Zika infections confirmed in FloridaUSA TODAY NETWORKFrank Gluck, The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press9:40 a.m. EST February 3, 2016(Photo: Special to The News-Press) 671CONNECTTWEETLINKEDIN 10COMMENTEMAILMOREFORT MYERS, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health has confirmed two cases of the Zika virus in Lee County, bringing the state's number of such infections to nine. Health officials say all the affected Floridians, including the two in Lee County, were infected inColombia, El Salvador, Haiti or Venezuela. It was not clear from the released information where the Lee County residents were infected. Others Florida cases include four Miami-Dade County residents, two fromHillsborough County and one from Santa Rosa County. USA TODAY Texas reports first case in the USA of sexually transmitted Zika virus Zika, which is most commonly spread by mosquito bites but may be sexually transmitted, has alarmed global health agencies because of its suspected link to birth defects in Brazil. The virus usually causes several days of mild symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The World Health Organization has declared this season's Zika outbreak a "public health emergency." None of Florida's confirmed Zika cases involve pregnant women, the health department reported. "Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats," said Dr. John Armstrong, the state's surgeon general and secretary of health, in a written statement Tuesday. "Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus." USA TODAY Zika virus not causing outbreaks in continental U.S. On Tuesday, Texas public health officials identified the first U.S.-based Zika infection transmitted through sexual contact. That person became infected after having sex with a partner who had recently returned from Venezuela. Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, an urologist with Orlando Health, said Zika's spread through sex is worrying because only 1 in 5 infected people show symptoms of the virus. And most such symptoms are mild, Brahmbhatt said. "I think it is definitely something to be concerned about, because Zika is spreading rapidly — not only here in Florida but throughout the entire U.S. and the world," he said. His recommendations to patients getting ready to travel to such areas: "Just be smart. You just have to use precautions as with any sexually transmitted disease." USA TODAY Q&A: What is microcephaly, the birth defect linked to Zika? Health Department advisories about the virus have urged residents and visitors to Florida to employ traditional tactics to protect themselves from mosquitoes: • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected. • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used. • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week. • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water. • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. That includes emptying plastic swimming pools when not in use. • Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535. Shelly Redovan, spokeswoman for the Lee County Mosquito Control District, said normal precautions should offer enough protection, even for pregnant women and those thinking about getting pregnant. "It should not be something they should panic about," Redovan said. "Just be aware and just be a little cautious." Zika was not identified in the Western Hemisphere until May 2015, when the Pan American Health Organization issued alerts about cases in Brazil, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. USA TODAY Zika highlights lack of access to contraception, abortion in Latin America The CDC has since issued advisories for people planning to travel to countries where Zika transmissions are ongoing, including: Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay,Suriname, Venezuela, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Pregnant women are advised to postpone travel to these and other affected countries. Women trying to get pregnant should speak with their doctors before any such trips, the CDC said. Patients exhibiting symptoms and have traveled to Zika-affected regions are tested for the virus. The CDC's Arbovirus Diagnostic Laboratory confirms such results, though Florida's public health laboratory can test for infections if patients meet testing criteria. Follow Frank Gluck on Twitter: @FrankGluck http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/02/03/two-more-zika-infections-confirmed-florida/79741070/?hootPostID=5df6e77da1ce65b5cbce4964dfe30c9e

The Scoop BlogDallas County’s first Zika cases may prove defect-causing virus can spread through sexAvi Selk Follow @aviselk Email [email protected]: February 2, 2016 1:50 pmFacebookTwitterEmail46CommentsPrintDr. Vanessa Van Der Linden, the neuro-pediatrician who first recognized the microcephaly crisis in Brazil, measures the head of a 2-month-old baby with microcephaly. The baby’s mother was diagnosed with having the Zika virus during her pregnancy. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Last updated at 7:20 p.m. to incorporate updates and context from health officials RelatedWhat we know about sexual transmission of the Zika virusZika virus: What is it, and how concerned should Texans be?Alarm rising over spread of Zika virusNational Institutes of Health official doubts Zika virus poses major threat to USGlobal health emergency declared over Zika virus spread, calls it an 'extraordinary event'By AVI SELK and SEEMA YASMIN Staff Writers After spreading rapidly through mosquito bites in South America, where it’s suspected of causing thousands of birth defects, the Zika virus has come to Dallas County. And it’s brought with it fresh evidence that it may be able to pass directly between people through sex. County health officials say a traveler, dubbed “Patient 0,” recently returned to the Dallas area after a trip to Venezuela — near the heart of a South American Zika outbreak that’s been linked to a rash of babies born with small heads. The microcephaly cases and the virus’ furious spread caused the World Health Organization to declare Zika a global health emergency this week. Patient 0 had sex with Patient 1 after returning home, and both tested positive for the virus, officials announced Tuesday. While they’re hardly the first American cases of Zika — at least six others have the disease in Texas alone — a spokesman for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Patient 1 is “the first U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler in the continental United States.” Local health officials went even further. “Zika can be transmitted from mosquito to humans, humans to mosquitoes — and now, we know, through sexual transmission,” said Dallas County health director Zachary Thompson. Other aren’t quite convinced. While researchers have long suspected that Zika can be spread through sex — notably in the case of a Colorado husband and wife who came down with it several years ago — proof has been elusive. “We think it’s likely that this case was sexually transmitted, but we’ll be looking for more information,” said Chris Van Deusen, a spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. Meanwhile, he and other health officials are trying to assure North Texas that our first known case of Zika is no epidemic. * “If I went outside to get the paper and forgot to spray myself and a mosquito bit me, do I need to run to a doctor and have myself checked for Zika?” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins asked himself. “No, you don’t,” he answered. Jenkins became an expert in public health crises in 2014, when he helped lead Dallas’ effort to contain the first U.S. cases of the deadly Ebola virus. But the judge noted that for all its infamy, Zika’s only big danger is to fetuses. Most nonpregnant people who catch it — such as Patients 0 and 1 — experience only mild cold-like symptoms, if any. Those symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. The symptoms usually last several days to a week. * County officials don’t believe the couple spread the virus to anyone else. The variety of mosquito that has spread Zika in epidemic proportions across Brazil and other parts of South and Central America does live in North Texas, but in relatively low numbers — especially during winter months. After Patients 0 and 1 were diagnosed with the virus, county officials trapped mosquitoes around the couple’s home. They didn’t even find any of the kind that can carry Zika, Jenkins said, let alone any that tested positive. “You don’t have any proof there’s any Zika-infected mosquito anywhere in Dallas County,” he said. “If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant and you are considering going to Dallas, this is a safe place.” * The virus was first discovered in the blood of monkeys in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947. Since then, it’s caused outbreaks in Africa, Southeast Asia and Micronesia. Before the current outbreak in Latin America and the Caribbean, the biggest outbreak of Zika occurred in French Polynesia in 2013. Approximately 28,000 people were infected. Most of them had the typical mild symptoms of Zika. But during that outbreak, some people infected with the Zika virus were diagnosed with a rare neurologic condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome, in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. Zika virus hasn’t been proven to cause microcephaly or Guillain-Barré syndrome. Still, health officials in many Zika-affected countries are warning pregnant women to avoid mosquitoes and even suggesting women delay pregnancy until the outbreak is over. [email protected]; [email protected] Twitter: @aviselk; @DoctorYasmin http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2016/02/defect-causing-zika-virus-found-in-dallas-county.html/

Life | Wed Feb 3, 2016 7:57am ESTRelated: HEALTHWHO calls for further investigation into sexual spread of Zika virusGENEVA | BY STEPHANIE NEBEHAY A municipal worker fumigates inside a building to help control the spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in Caracas, February 2, 2016.REUTERS/MARCO BELLO The World Health Organization (WHO) voiced concern on Wednesday over a report the Zika virus had been sexually transmitted in the United States and called for further investigation into the mosquito-borne virus. The first known case of Zika virus transmission in the United States was reported in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday by local health officials, who said it likely was contracted through sex and not a mosquito bite. "We certainly understand the concern. This needs to be further investigated to understand the conditions and how often or likely sexual transmission is, and whether or not other body fluids are implicated," WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl told Reuters. "This is the only the second mooted case of sexual transmission," he said, referring to media reports about a case of an American man who returned from Senegal in 2008 and is suspected of having infected his wife. The virus, linked to babies born with abnormally small heads and birth defects in Brazil, is spreading rapidly in the Americas and the WHO declared an international public health emergency on Monday about the condition known as microcephaly. The United Nations agency, which is leading international coordination on the outbreak, said on Tuesday the virus could spread to Africa and Asia, which have the world's highest birth rates, as well as to southern Europe. In a statement on Wednesday to European member states, WHO said the risk of the virus spreading into Europe increases with the onset of spring and summer. "Now is the time for countries to prepare themselves to reduce the risk to their populations," WHO's Europe chief Zsuzsanna Jakab said. "Every European country in which Aedes mosquitoes are present can be at risk for the spread of Zika virus disease. "A number of travelers infected with Zika have entered Europe, but the disease has not been transmitted further, as the mosquito is still inactive. With the onset of spring and summer, the risk that Zika virus will spread increases." The WHO has not recommended travel or trade bans with affected countries, but says that it is drawing up advice to pregnant women. The WHO global response team will discuss the sexual transmission report among other issues at its daily meeting later on Wednesday, Hartl said. "There are many things we don't know about Zika," he said. "Lots of surveillance is needed ... We have our team set up and are sure there will be lots of progress quickly." For now, the key in infected areas is to try to control mosquitoes and for people to wear adequate clothing, use insect repellent and sleep under bednets, Hartl said. Pfizer Inc, Johnson and Johnson and Merck & Co Inc said they were evaluating their technologies or existing vaccines for their potential to combat Zika. Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical Co Ltd said it had created a team to investigate how it might help make a vaccine, a day after Sanofi SA said it would launch a Zika vaccine program. (Reporting and writing by Stephanie Nebehay; additional reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Tom Heneghan) http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-who-idUSKCN0VC158

Zika virus sexual transmission case in U.S. raises concern of World Health OrganizationFirst known case of Zika virus transmission in the United StatesCBC News Posted: Feb 03, 2016 6:22 AM ET Last Updated: Feb 03, 2016 6:58 AM ET The Aedes aegypti mosquito spreads the Zika virus, but a case of infection in Dallas through sex is the first incident of transmission within the United States. (James Gathany/CDC/Associated Press) 39 shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Google Share Email Related StoriesZika virus timelineZika virus: What Canadian travellers need to knowBlood donors asked to hold off in wake of Zika virusZika link to birth defect: 'guilty until proven innocent,' WHO saysZika virus outbreak an emergency, World Health Organization saysYour ideas for stopping the spread of the Zika virusThe World Health Organization (WHO) voiced concern on Wednesday over a report that the Zika virus had been sexually transmitted in the United States and called for further investigation into the mosquito-borne virus linked to birth defects. The first known case of Zika virus transmission in the United States was reported in Dallas, Texas on Tuesday by local health officials, who said it likely was contracted through sex and not a mosquito bite. "We certainly understand the concern. This needs to be further investigated to understand the conditions and how often or likely sexual transmission is, and whether or not other body fluids are implicated," WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl told Reuters. Zika virus: 6 things to know about the growing outbreakZika virus: What Canadian travellers need to know"This is the only the second mooted case of sexual transmission," he said, referring to media reports about a case of an American man who returned from Senegal and is suspected of infecting his wife. The virus, linked to babies born with abnormally small heads and birth defects in Brazil, is spreading rapidly in the Americas and the WHO declared an international public health emergency on Monday about the condition known as microcephaly. The WHO global response team will discuss the sexual transmission report among other issues at its daily meeting later on Wednesday, Hartl said. "There are many things we don't know about Zika," he said. "Lots of surveillance is needed...We have our team set up and are sure there will be lots of progress quickly." For now the key in infected areas is to try to control mosquitos and for people to wear adequate clothing, use insect repellent and sleep under bednets, Hartl said. Dallas County health officials said in a tweet on Tuesday that the confirmed patient did not travel but was infected after having sexual contact with an ill person who had returned from Venezuela. They did not release any details about either patient, citing privacy issues. Investigators had been exploring the possibility the virus could be sexually transmitted. There was a report of a Colorado researcher who picked up the virus in Africa and apparently spread it to his wife back home in 2008, and it was found in one man's semen in Tahiti. "It's very rare, but this is not new," Zachary Thompson, director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services, told WFAA-TV in Dallas. "We always looked at the point that this could be transmitted sexually." With files from The Associated Press http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/zika-virus-sexual-tranmission-who-1.3431458

Audio on WHO presser on microcephaly https://who-tvstudio.wetransfer.com/downloads/90ca97521e1e7508c72fc6ed9ad9fbef20160202125047/0ad1e5

Texas Patient Gets Zika Virus Through Sexual Contact, Officials SayVirus is usually spread through mosquito bites ENLARGEThe Zika virus is usually spread through mosquito bites, but officials say a person in Texas was infected after having sexual contact with an ill person who returned from a country where Zika was present. PHOTO: PAULO WHITAKER/REUTERSBy KAT LONG and BETSY MCKAYUpdated Feb. 2, 2016 8:03 p.m. ET11 COMMENTSA person in Texas has contracted the Zika virus through sexual contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The individual was a sexual partner of another individual who had recently traveled to an area where Zika is circulating and tested positive for the virus after returning home, the agency said. Texas health officials said the patient is a resident of Dallas County but declined to release further details or indicate where the patient’s sexual partner became infected. “The timing of the travel, the mosquito activity at that time of year, and the timing of the infection all point to sexual transmission, and not a mosquito bite,” said Chris Van Deusen, spokesman for the Texas Department of State Health Services. “We’re continuing to evaluate the information with Dallas County and the CDC,” Mr. Van Deusen said. As many as 1.5 million Brazilians may have been infected with the mosquito-borne Zika virus and now the U.S. and other countries are also reporting new cases. But what is the Zika virus? And why does it pose a threat to pregnant women? Dipti Kapadia explains. Photo: Getty ImagesThere is no evidence of Zika-carrying mosquitoes in Texas, officials said. The CDC has confirmed 31 travel-associated cases in 11 states and the District of Columbia since 2015. Zika is usually spread through bites from infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In otherwise healthy adults, symptoms include fever, rash, muscle and joint pain and reddened eyes. Health officials in Brazil have linked Zika to a spike in the number of babies born with unusually small heads and brains, known as microcephaly, as well as several cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder that causes temporary paralysis. Sexual transmission of Zika has been documented before in at least two cases, but is considered to be extremely rare. Scientists found Zika virus in the semen of a patient in Tahiti who had been exposed during an outbreak in French Polynesia in 2013. In 2008, an American scientist contracted Zika while working in Senegal. His wife in Colorado, who didn’t travel with him, was infected after he returned home in what appeared to be a case of sexual transmission. Experts said the Texas case, like the two before it, point to a need for more study and guidance for travelers about the risks of Zika transmission. “I don’t think it’s a surprise—we knew of cases before,” said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “What we don’t know is how frequently it can occur.” “This is something that should be considered among travelers, if you’re coming home and you are male and have sexual contact with a woman who is pregnant or may get pregnant,” he said. The World Health Organization declared Zika an international public health emergency on Monday because of concerns about its potential link to microcephaly in infants. The designation allows the agency to organize research and education efforts in the affected regions. Health officials in some Latin American countries have encouraged women to avoid pregnancy until more is known about the possible link. The CDC said it would “issue guidance in the coming days on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika virus, with a focus on the male sexual partners of women who are or who may be pregnant.” Write to Betsy McKay at [email protected] or Kat Long [email protected] http://www.wsj.com/articles/texas-patient-gets-zika-virus-through-sexual-contact-officials-say-1454449723

CONTACTS Erikka D. Neroes, Public Information Officer 214.819.6329 (office) 214.394.8109 (cell) Zachary Thompson, Director 214.755.9299 (cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DCHHS Reports Second Zika Virus Case in Dallas County DALLAS (Feb. 2, 2016) – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the second Zika virus case in Dallas County in 2016. The patient recently traveled to Venezuela and was diagnosed with the virus upon returning to Dallas County. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information. Zika virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes and through sexual activity. 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 have 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 to avoid sexual contact with a person who has Zika virus. DCHHS recommends the following to avoid Zika virus: 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 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 to prevent spreading sexually-transmitted infections. 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 Zika virus protect themselves from further mosquito bites. For more information on Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika viruses, go to the DCHHS website. http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/press/documents/PR2-2-16DCHHSReportsSecondCaseofZikaVirus.pdf

Zika-linked baby defects rising in BrazilPublished: 3:12 pm, Wednesday, 3 February 2016 The number of newborns with abnormally small heads linked to the Zika virus in Brazil had increased to 4074 as of January 30 from 3718 a week earlier, the Brazilian Health Ministry says. Of a total of 4783 notified cases of the severe neurological condition called microcephaly reported since October, 709 were found to be negative, the ministry said on Tuesday. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global emergency on Monday over the rapid spread through the Americas of the mosquito-borne Zika virus that Brazilian authorities say is causing the brain defects in babies. Eight in every 10 of the microcephaly cases are in the poverty stricken northeast region of Brazil where the Zika virus was first detected in May. One-third of them are in the state of Pernambuco where doctors first suspected the virus was infecting pregnant women in the early stages of gestation and stunting the brain development of the fetuses. The link between the virus and the birth defects has not been scientifically established. The first known case of Zika virus transmission in the United States was reported in Texas on Tuesday by local health officials, who said it likely was contracted through sex and not a mosquito bite. Reuters - See more at: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/world/sthamerica/2016/02/03/zika-linked-baby-defects-rising-in-brazil.html#sthash.qlatYL0W.dpuf

Zika Infection Transmitted by Sex Reported in TexasBy DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. and SABRINA TAVERNISEFEB. 2, 2016 A case of Zika virus infection transmitted by sex, rather than mosquito bite, was discovered in Texas on Tuesday, a development sure to complicate plans to contain a global epidemic. The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department reported that a patient with the Zika virus was infected after having sex with someone who had returned from Venezuela, where Zika is circulating. After the report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention changed its advice to Americans visiting regions in which the Zika virus is spreading. Men having sex after traveling to these areas should consider wearing condoms, officials said, although they did not indicate for how long this would be necessary. Pregnant women should avoid contact with semen from men recently exposed to the virus, federal officials also said. The agency plans to issue further guidelines soon. Infection of pregnant women with the Zika virus has been linked to birth defects in their infants. But the infection is not usually life-threatening for others, and produces symptoms only in 20 percent of patients. But sexual transmission, experts said, adds a new level of difficulty to detecting and preventing Zika outbreaks, which may require not just mosquito control but also safe-sex education. Health officials now face the prospect of stopping an infection that is usually silent and for which there are no widely available tests; it may be transmissible sexually, yet there may be no sign until a child is born. “This opens up a whole new range of prevention issues,” said Dr. William Schaffner, chief of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical School. Still, he cautioned that sexual transmission is probably rare compared with the viral spread by mosquitoes, taking place in more than 20 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Mosquito transmission is the highway, whereas sexual transmission is the byway,” Dr. Schaffner said. “Sexual transmission cannot account for this sudden and widespread transmission of this virus.” Scientists have suspected for several years that Zika could be transmitted sexually. In 2008, a malaria specialist who caught the Zika virus while gathering mosquitoes in Africa passed the infection to his wife shortly after his return to Northern Colorado. Because his wife had not left the state and there were no mosquitoes in the region capable of carrying Zika — and because the couple did not infect any of their four children — experts concluded the only logical explanation was transmission through sex. Last year, French scientists described finding viable Zika virus in the semen of a 44-year-old Tahitian man who had recovered from an infection during a 2013 outbreak in French Polynesia. The investigators could not determine how long the virus had persisted because he had had more than one episode of fever that year that might have been related to the Zika virus. The C.D.C. confirmed the Zika infections in Dallas. Health officials in Dallas said that the person infected during sex had not left the United States, and that there was no documented transmission of the virus by mosquitoes within the city. The returnee from Venezuela had visible symptoms of Zika infection, a spokeswoman for the county said, but she did not describe exactly what they were. The health department did not describe the gender of each partner. The only two previously known cases suggesting that sexual transmission was possible involved men with visible blood in their semen, and scientists theorized that the virus had infected their testes or prostates. In its statement on the Texas case, the C.D.C. noted that there was “no risk to a developing fetus,” presumably implying that neither partner was pregnant. Although Zika virus infection causes relatively mild symptoms in adults, scientists suspect it is behind a surge in cases of devastating birth defects, including microcephaly, in Brazil. Until Tuesday, the C.D.C. had posted only a brief acknowledgment on its website that sexual transmission had “been reported.” There had been no mention of the possibility on its advisory pages for travelers, nor did it advise the use of condoms. By contrast, British health authorities suggested last week that couples delay efforts to conceive for one month if either partner had just returned from a country where Zika was spreading. Public Health England suggested that all men use condoms for at least 28 days after returning, and that men with Zika symptoms, including fever, rash, red eyes or joint pain, avoid having unprotected sex for six months. Like the C.D.C., British health officials had previously advised pregnant women to avoid travel to affected countries. In the United States, the possibility of sexual transmission “has really hit a nerve in the corporate community,” said Dr. David O. Freedman, an epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who is sometimes called on to advise businesses about medical issues in travel. Business travelers to Latin America and the Caribbean now must worry about passing it to their partners, he said: “There’s a lot of concern out there, but just no data to address it.” The Texas case “is going to raise a lot more concern,” said Scott Weaver, director of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and an expert on the virus. He said it would be important to identify other factors that were red flags for transmission through sex. For example, the men in the cases in Colorado and French Polynesia both had blood in their semen. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said it was important to determine whether the virus survived in semen longer than it does in the blood, from which it usually disappears after a week or two as the victim recovers. “We have no idea right now how long Zika is present in the semen,” Dr. Fauci said. “We need to find that out, and we need to find that out pretty quickly.” After nearly 40 years of studying the Ebola virus, doctors learned for the first time just last year that it could survive in semen for weeks or months and infect women through sex. The prospect of transmission from men who never had symptoms could pitch clinicians into uncharted waters. “If this can occur in the complete absence of signs or symptoms, then it’s going to be very tough to get a handle on how high the risk is,” Dr. Weaver said. Experts in mosquito-borne diseases expect some local transmission of the Zika virus through mosquitoes in Florida and along the Gulf Coast once the weather warms up. How far it spreads will depend on how aggressive mosquito control is. Dr. Kristy Murray, an infectious disease specialist at Texas Children’s Hospital, said there had been seven confirmed Zika cases in Houston, where she is based, all in travelers back from Zika-infested areas. Local health authorities are girding for battle against mosquitoes when it gets warmer. “It will be really interesting to see what happens this summer,” Dr. Murray said. A version of this article appears in print on February 3, 2016, on page A1 of the New York edition with the headline: Dallas Reports A Case of Zika Spread by Sex . Order Reprints| Today's Paper|Subscribe http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/03/health/zika-sex-transmission-texas.html?_r=0

Ireland Confirms Two Cases Of Zika VirusThe man and woman had both travelled to a country affected by the virus, and have since fully recovered. 03:24, UK,Wednesday 03 February 2016 Matchboxes produced for health workers during a campaign in Latin America Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on Google+Share by emailTwo cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in Ireland, the country's Health Services Executive says. The people involved are a man and an older woman. Both had travelled to a country affected by the virus, which can cause birth defects, and both have now fully recovered. The news came as it was reported that a sexually-transmitted case of Zika had been diagnosed in Dallas, Texas. The HSE said the two cases in Ireland were not related to each other. Play video "How Zika Affects Babies" Video: How Zika Affects BabiesIn a statement it said: "The finding of Zika cases in Ireland is not an unexpected event as many other European countries have reported cases as a result of travel to affected areas. "Currently, outbreaks of Zika virus are occurring in some countries in South and Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands." It added: "Infection when it occurs usually results in a mild illness that typically lasts between two to seven days. "The majority of people who become infected by Zika virus have no symptoms. Zika virus is spread through the bite of a mosquito that is in certain countries but which is not present in Ireland. "While almost all cases of Zika virus are acquired via mosquito bites, one case of sexual transmission of Zika virus has been reported internationally, however the risk of sexual transmission of Zika virus is thought to be extremely low. "If you become ill within two weeks after your return to Ireland from an affected area, you should contact your doctor for assessment and let him/her know of your recent travel history to an affected area." 1/10 Gallery: Zika Virus Outbreak: A Global Health Emergency Gallery: Zika Virus Outbreak: A Global Health Emergency Zika has been linked to a steep increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly, which causes abnormally small heads and brains. So far, cases have been reported in 35 countries and territories, with Brazil among the worst affected. Health officials have advised pregnant women to avoid travelling to affected areas. Apart from the risks to unborn babies, Zika is not considered dangerous. But there are no known vaccines, specific treatments or rapid diagnostic tests for it. Common symptoms - which can last for up to a week - include fever, rashes, joint pain and conjunctivitis. http://news.sky.com/story/1634841/ireland-confirms-two-cases-of-zika-virus

The First Sexually Transmitted Case of the Zika Virus Is Confirmed in Texas2910828 By Elliot Hannon A woman holds her 5-month-old nephew, who has microcephaly, on Jan. 25, 2016 in Recife, Brazil.Mario Tama/Getty Images The already troubling spread of the Zika virus got a bit more menacing on Tuesday when health officials in Texas confirmed the first known transmission of the virus through sexual contact. Previously, the only known way the virus could be spread was through mosquito bites. Dallas County health officials said the infected patient had not been to an infected area, but the patient’s partner recently returned from Venezuela. Concern over the virus has risen steadily across the Americas, where the latest spike in cases has taken place. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak an international public health emergency on Monday, warning as many as 4 million people could contract the virus. The symptoms of Zika can be pretty mild—fever, fatigue, headache, you know the drill—fatalities are rare, and most people who get infected (up to 80 percent) don’t have any symptoms at all. The virus, however, has been linked to birth defects in babies born to infected women, which has set off an alarm across Latin America. There are still many, many unknowns about the virus and its link to birth defects in newborns. Worries over microcephaly, a condition where babies have underdeveloped brains and abnormally small heads at birth, however, have caused several countries to discourage women from getting pregnant until more is known about Zika’s impact on pregnant women. Brazil has been the hardest hit so far by microcephaly; it is investigating 3,670 suspected cases, according to the BBC. The cases of Zika have extended almost throughout the entirety of South and Central America, and as far away as Australia. Read more in Slate about the Zika virus. Elliot Hannon is a writer in New York City. Follow him on Twitter. http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/02/02/first_case_of_sexually_transmitted_zika_virus_confirmed_in_texas.html

Zika Virus Zika Virus According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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. Laboratory testing for Zika virus infection is available at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthcare providers should contact their state or local health department to facilitate laboratory testing in symptomatic patients. See a comprehensive listing of contact information by county for local and regional health departments in Texas. As for many other arboviral diseases, there are currently no vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat Zika virus infection. To help prevent infection, DSHS recommends that: Travelers to areas affected by Zika | avoid mosquito exposurePregnant women postpone travel to areas affected by ZikaIt is not yet known if people with Zika who do not have symptoms can transmit the virus to Texas mosquitoes. Therefore, DSHSrecommends that all travelers returning to Texas from areas affected by Zika avoid mosquito bites for one week following return or following onset of illness. Zika Virus General information provided by the CDC about Zika virus Zika & Travel Information provided by the CDC about Zika virus for travelers and travel health providers Zika & Pregnant Women Information provided by the CDC about potential risks associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy Zika & Infants Information provided by the CDC about Zika virus for pediatric healthcare providers https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/arboviral/zika/ Last updated February 02, 2016

DSHS Reports First Locally Acquired Zika CaseThe Texas Department of State Health Services today reported the first case of Zika virus disease contracted in Texas, involving a Dallas County resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Case details are being evaluated, but the possibility of sexual transmission from an infected person to a non-infected person is likely in this case. DSHS has seven other Texas cases of Zika virus disease, all related to foreign travel to areas where Zika is currently being transmitted. Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito, though there also have been reports of transmission through sexual contact. The disease can cause fever, rash, muscle and joint aches and red eyes but also has been linked to the birth defect microcephaly and other poor birth outcomes in some women infected during their pregnancy. “We’re working closely with our partners to gather more information about the virus and this transmission in Dallas and to determine whether any additional public health interventions are needed,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. Texas alerted health care providers in January to be aware of and consider Zika virus as they see patients and is pursuing the ability to test for Zika at the state laboratory in Austin. Testing currently occurs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. State health officials continue to encourage people to follow travel precautions. The CDC is currently advising pregnant women to delay travel to foreign countries where Zika is being transmitted. To prevent the spread of the disease, people traveling to those areas should carefully follow steps to avoid mosquito bites while there and for seven days after returning home. People can protect themselves from mosquito bites by: Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pantsUsing EPA-registered insect repellentsUsing permethrin-treated clothingStaying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned roomsAvoid or limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week, and hospitalizations are rare. Most people exposed to Zika virus won’t develop any symptoms at all. There is currently no vaccine or treatment for the virus. -30- (News Media Contact: Carrie Williams, 512-776-7119, [email protected]) DSHS Press Office on Twitter Last updated February 02, 2016 https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/releases/20160202.aspx

Zika Virus – Feb. 2, 2016Texas has eight confirmed cases of Zika virus disease. Seven travelers were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. One case involves a Texas resident who had sexual contact with someone who acquired the Zika infection while traveling abroad. Six cases were among residents of Harris County with two among Dallas County residents. 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 pantsUsing EPA-registered insect repellentsUsing permethrin-treated clothing and gear Staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms. Note: Zika case data for Texas will be updated weekdays by 11 a.m. Texas Zika Virus DSHS News Releases CDC Zika Virus https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

Zika Virus Acquired Through Sexual Transmission, Texas Officials SayBy LAURA WAGNER • 1 HOUR AGOIt's the first U.S. case related to the recent Western hemisphere outbreak to be acquired through sex. Until now, experts have focused on transmission of the virus through mosquito bites. Dallas County Health and Human Services says the patient, who remains anonymous, became infected after having sexual contact with someone who was ill and had returned from a country where the Zika virus is present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released this statement: In 2008, a Colorado researcher reportedly caught the virus overseas and may have spread it to his wife when he returned to the U.S. http://wlrn.org/post/zika-virus-acquired-through-sexual-transmission-texas-officials-sa y

Zika virus infection 'through sex' reported in US58 minutes agoFrom the sectionUS & CanadaJump media playerMedia player help Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.Media captionExclusive: CDC Deputy Principal director tells BBC the Dallas Zika case was sexually transZika virusZika outbreak: What you need to knowZika outbreak: Travel adviceZika outbreak: The perfect mosquitoVideo How mums-to-be are tackling ZikaA rare case of the Zika virus being transmitted through sex, not a mosquito bite, has been reported in the US. A patient infected in Dallas, Texas, is likely to have been infected by sexual contact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) told the BBC. The person had not travelled to infected areas but their partner had returned from Venezuela. Zika is carried by mosquitoes and has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. It is spreading through the Americas and the World Health Organization has declared the virus a global public health emergency. In another development, two cases of the Zika virus have been confirmed in Australia. Officials said the two Sydney residents had recently returned from the Caribbean. Race to understand Zika baby risk What is the risk to unborn children? Worried mothers' stories Meanwhile, Brazil - the country worst hit by the outbreak - has revealed it is investigating 3,670 suspected cases of microcephaly in babies linked to the Zika virus. Jump media playerMedia player help Out of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.Media captionTimeline: How the Zika virus took holdA total of 404 cases have so far been confirmed - up from 270 last week - while 709 cases have been discarded, the country's health ministry said. Analysis by James Gallagher, health editor, BBC News website If Zika can readily spread through sex, then it poses a risk to every country not just those with the Aedes mosquito. So far, authorities have said sexual transmission is rare, but last year they would have said any case of Zika was rare, too. This explosive outbreak has caught the world by surprise and many key questions remain unanswered. Exactly how common or rare is sexual transmission? Can it be spread by the 80% of people who show no symptoms? How long does the virus persist in semen? When is it safe to have sex again? What should men do after visiting affected countries? Can women also spread the virus through sex? However, this is not a new HIV/Aids moment. HIV infection is incurable and dramatically shortens lives without daily medication. Zika infections are short, mild and pose a significant threat only in pregnancy. The ministry also said 76 infant deaths from microcephaly, either during pregnancy or just after birth, were suspected. The case in Dallas would be the first known infection to take place in the mainland US, though Texas has seen seven other Zika cases all related to foreign travel. Anne Schuchat, principal deputy director for CDC, said this was the first case it had dealt with involving a "non-traveller". "We don't believe this was spread through mosquito bites, but we do believe it was spread through a sexual contact." A statement issued by the CDC said the best way to avoid Zika virus infection was "to prevent mosquito bites AND to avoid exposure to semen from someone who has been exposed to Zika". The case is "significant" if it was definitely transmitted through sexual contact, Alaka Basu, a senior fellow for public health at the UN Foundation, told the BBC. "This significance is parallel with the HIV/Aids case. It's worse in some ways, because there are two modes of transmission." It is not the first known case of sexual transmission. There was a case in 2013 in French Polynesia, according to the CDC website. The CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid travel to more than two dozen countries with Zika outbreaks, mostly in the Caribbean and Latin America, including Venezuela. Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said her government was focused on eradicating the mosquito that transmits the virus. In an address to a joint session of Congress, she said considerable funds would be set aside for the programme. "We should all be worried about microcephaly," she said. Image copyrightAPImage captionThe disease is suspected of being especially dangerous for pregnant womenThe alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday puts Zika in the same category of concern as Ebola. It means research and aid will be fast-tracked to tackle the infection. WHO director general, Margaret Chan called Zika an "extraordinary event" that needed a co-ordinated response. She said the priorities were to protect pregnant women and their babies from harm and to control the mosquitoes that are spreading the virus. WHO has said it could take up to nine months for experts to prove or disprove any connection between the virus and babies born with microcephaly. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-35478778

Zika Virus Case Reported In Florida PanhandleWKRG StaffPublished: February 2, 2016, 4:11 pm Updated: February 2, 2016, 4:15 pmClick to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) 346Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)346 Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)The Florida Department of Health says six travel-associated cases of the Zika mosquito virus have been reported in Florida. One of those cases is in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Here is the full statement from the health department: Tallahassee, Fla. – This week, the Florida Department of Health reported six new travel-associated cases of Zika in Florida to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Travel-related cases are defined as disease believed to be contracted outside of the state. Florida has reported a total of nine travel-related cases to the federal government. While the CDC has not identified Florida as an area of local Zika risk, the Florida Department of Health is closely monitoring imported disease. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott and State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong were briefed by the CDC on the status of Zika virus. The CDC has issued travel notices for Zika virus for several countries. More information about the CDC’s notices can be found here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices. “Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health. “Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus.” More Information on CDC precautions and DOH monitoring of Zika: * According to the CDC, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy. * Florida’s public health laboratory has a developed capacity to test for infections. The department works closely with health care providers in the state to test individuals who meet CDC testing criteria. * 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; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions. * To date, Florida has confirmed nine travel-associated cases, which involve residents from the following counties: Miami-Dade – 4 casesHillsborough – 2 casesLee – 2 casesSanta Rosa – 1 casehttp://wkrg.com/2016/02/02/zika-virus-case-in-florida-panhandle/

Zika Virus Confirmed in Dallas County, Spread Through Sexual Contact: Dallas County HealthTwo cases of Zika now confirmed in Dallas County, health department confirmsBy Frank HeinzThe first person in Dallas County has been infected with the Zika virus without traveling outside the U.S., becoming the first person to acquire the virus in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient was infected through sexual contact, not through a mosquito bite, according to county health officials. Dallas County Health Health and Human Services said the patient was infected after having sexual contact with an individual who developed symptoms after returning from a trip to Venezuela. It has also been confirmed that the individual from Venezuela is also infected with the virus.Neither of the individuals are pregnant. They are both thought to still be in Dallas County."A person who recently traveled to an area with Zika virus transmission returned to the United States and developed Zika-like symptoms. The person later tested positive for Zika, along with their sexual partner, who had not traveled to the area," the CDC said in a statement. UPDATEDMan Arrested After Arlington Shooting, Police Pursuit: PDDCHHS said Tuesday that the CDC confirmed the Zika test and that the county health department confirmed the virus was transmitted sexually through a follow-up interview with the patient. The CDC’s statement did not confirm or rule out that the virus was transmitted sexually. Neither patient has been identified and further information about them has not been shared. NBC 5 has, however, confirmed that neither of the individuals are pregnant. They are both thought to still be in Dallas County. What to Know: Zika Virus Spreads in AmericasThe spreading of the Zika virus has caused worldwide concern. Health officials think Zika might be connected to the rise in a birth defects in the Americas, though it has not yet been proven, and have labeled the crisis a global emergency. (Published 3 hours ago) The county confirms that there are no reports of the virus being spread locally by mosquitoes, though local transmission of the virus by mosquitoes is a possibility with the virus now known to be in North Texas. 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. Two Plano East Students Found Dead from Suicide: PoliceThe virus can have far more harmful effects on women who are infected while pregnant, leading to cases of microcephaly or other poor outcomes, according to the CDC. Heartbreaking Photos Show Effect of Zika Virus on Newborns in Brazil 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. The Zika virus is usually spread through mosquito bites. The CDC previously said they were aware of reports of the virus being spread through sexual contact, but had not confirmed the transmission method. While exploring the possibility the virus could be spread through sex, investigators found the virus in one man's semen in Tahiti, and there was report of a Colorado researcher who caught the virus overseas and apparently spread it to his wife back home in 2008, according to The Associated Press. DMN's Dr. Seema Yasmin Answers Zika QuestionsDr. Seema Yasmin, medical expert at The Dallas Morning News, answers questions about Zika virus from viewers on the NBC 5 Facebook page. (Published 34 minutes ago) “Now that we know Zika virus can be transmitted through sex, this increases our awareness campaign in educating the public about protecting themselves and others,” said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. “Next to abstinence, condoms are the best prevention method against any sexually-transmitted infections.” The CDC said they have no definitive information on the infectious time period and will provide more guidance as they learn more about the virus. State Seizes Title Company Amid Money AllegationsThere is no medication to treat Zika virus and there is no vaccine; the best prevention is to avoid mosquitoes and sexual contact with infected people. The recommendations for avoiding the Zika virus are the same for avoiding West Nile virus: How to Protect Yourself From Mosquito Bites — the 4 Ds Dusk and Dawn: Stay inside if possible — mosquitoes are most active during dusk and dawn.Dress in long sleeves, pants when outside: For extra protection, spray thin clothing with repellent.DEET: Make sure this ingredient is in your insect repellent.Drain standing water in your yard and neighborhood: Mosquitoes can develop in any water stagnant for more than three days. Additionally, the CDC continues to recommend that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant take the following precautions: Pregnant women should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure to semen from someone who has been exposed to Zika virus.Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare professional if their partner has had exposure to Zika virus. Troy Aikman Gets Personal About MelanomaTo date, there are seven other confirmed Zika cases in Texas, in Houston and Harris County. In each of those cases, the patient had traveled abroad to an area where Zika is present. NBC 5's Kevin Cokely and Holley Ford contributed to this report. http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/health/Zika-Virus-Confirmed-in-Dallas-County-Spread-Through-Sexual-Contact-Dallas-County-Health-367395911.html?_osource=SocialFlowTwt_DFWBrand

Zika confirmed in Santa Rosa caseFrom staff reports, pnj.com5:55 p.m. CST February 2, 2016 (Photo: James Gathany) 14CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORESanta Rosa County has a confirmed case of Zika, bringing the total number of travel-related health cases in Florida to nine. Of the nine cases reported by the Florida Department of Health to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, six are new this week. Travel-related cases are defined as being contracted outside of the state. Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant, according to the CDC. While the CDC has not identified Florida as an area of local Zika risk, the Florida Department of Health is closely monitoring imported disease. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL Santa Rosa urges residents to protect against mosquitoes The CDC has issued travel notices for Zika virus for several countries. More information about the CDC’s notices can be found at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices. “Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats,” Armstrong said. “Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus.” More Information on CDC precautions and DOH monitoring of Zika: • According to the CDC, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy. • Florida’s public health laboratory has a developed capacity to test for infections. The department works closely with health care providers in the state to offer testing to individuals that meet CDC testing criteria. • 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 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; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions. • To date, Florida has confirmed nine travel-associated cases in the following counties: Miami-Dade, 4; Hillsborough, 2; Lee, 2; Santa Rosa, 1. Mosquito bites can transfer dangerous mosquito-borne diseases, or arboviruses, including St. Louis encephalitis, eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus. Santa Rosa mosquito technicians are currently monitoring the county’s mosquito traps and treating standing water, such as holding ponds, with larvicide. A native plains fish, gambusia affinis, is used to control mosquito larvae in wetlands. While larvae abatement is a year-round practice, spraying for adult mosquitoes generally begins in March or April — when temperatures begin to consistently stay above 60 degrees. Residents are encouraged to help reduce the mosquito population by draining flower pots, watering cans, food bowls and any container that holds water. Moist leaves and organic matter also provide a perfect environment for mosquito larvae. By cleaning gutters and raking leaves, homeowners can stop the growth cycle. Residents may report areas of standing water, such as neglected or abandoned swimming pools, by calling 850-981-7135. To help reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, remember the four Ds: • DUSK to DAWN: The timeframe when mosquitoes are most active. Reduce or eliminate outdoor activity between dusk and dawn or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. • DRAIN standing water: Water found in old tires, flower pots, clogged rain gutters, leaky pipes and faucets, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes. • DRESS in light-colored, long sleeves and pants when you are outside, especially in mosquito-infested areas. • DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide): If you are planning to be outside when mosquitoes are most active, be sure to apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray exposed skin and clothing. For more information on Santa Rosa County mosquito control, visit www.santarosa.fl.gov/mosquito. For information on Zika virus, visit the Florida Department of Health, www.floridahealth.gov. http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2016/02/02/fla-doh-6-new-zika-cases-1-santa-rosa/79716740/

Florida has six new cases of Zika virusTimes staffTuesday, February 2, 2016 5:54pm 0 0Print 0 The Florida Department of Health is reporting six new cases of the Zika virus in Florida, bringing the statewide total to nine.Two of those cases are in Hillsborough County, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. All of the reported cases are travel-related, health officials said. Although the CDC has not identified Florida as an "area of local Zika risk," the Florida Department of Health said it is monitoring the disease. The virus is a mosquito-borne infection linked to birth defects in Brazil that causes infants to be born with abnormally small heads. None of Florida's confirmed cases involve pregnant women, according to the CDC. In addition to the two cases in Hillsborough, there are four in Miami-Dade County, two in Lee County and one in Santa Rosa County. "Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats," Dr. John Armstrong, the state Surgeon General and Secretary of Health, said in a prepared statement. "Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus." Florida has six new cases of Zika virus 02/02/16 [Last modified: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 5:57pm] http://web.tampabay.com/news/health/florida-has-six-new-cases-of-zika-virus/2263787

Two cases of travel-related Zika virus reported in Lee CountyCredit: APIn this Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 photo, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes sit in a petri dish at the Fiocruz institute in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The mosquito is a vector for the proliferation of the Zika virus spreading throughout Latin America. New figures from Brazil's Health Ministry show that the Zika virus outbreak has not caused as many confirmed cases of a rare brain defect as first feared. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)By Liz Freeman of the Naples Daily NewsUpdated: 6:13 p.m.SHARE 0TOPCredit: Felipe DanaIn this Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 photo, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes sit in a petri dish at the Fiocruz institute in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. The mosquito is a vector for the proliferation of the Zika virus spreading throughout Latin America. New figures from Brazil's Health Ministry show that the Zika virus outbreak has not caused as many confirmed cases of a rare brain defect as first feared. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)Credit: Felipe DanaGleyse Kelly da Silva holds her daughter Maria Giovanna as she sleeps in their house in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016. Brazilian officials still say they believe there's a sharp increase in cases of microcephaly and strongly suspect the Zika virus, which first appeared in the country last year, is to blame. The concern is strong enough that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this month warned pregnant women to reconsider visits to areas where Zika is present. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)Credit: Felipe DanaAn Aedes aegypti mosquito is photographed through a microscope at the Fiocruz institute in Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016. The mosquito is a vector for the proliferation of the Zika virus currently spreading throughout Latin America. New figures from Brazil's Health Ministry show that the Zika virus outbreak has not caused as many confirmed cases of a rare brain defect as first feared. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)Public health officials report two cases of Zika virus have been confirmed in Lee County, bringing the statewide caseload to nine, according to the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee. The two cases in Lee involve people who have traveled outside of the state, according to the state health department. In addition to the two cases in Lee, four more travel-associated cases of Zika were confirmed this week in Florida. That brings the total to nine. The breakdown is four cases in Miami-Dade, two in Hillsborough, two in Lee and one in Santa Rosa County. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not identified Florida as an area of local Zika risk but the state is closely monitoring imported disease, state health officials said in a press release. "Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats," Dr. John Armstrong, the state Surgeon General, said. "Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus." None of the nine confirmed cases involve pregnant women, where Zika has been linked in some locations to babies born with abnormally small heads and Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis. The CDC has issued a travel notices for Zika virus. The travel-related cases in Florida so far involve people who traveled to Columbia, El Salvador, Haiti and Venezuela. On Monday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Armstrong, the state surgeon general, were briefed by the CDC on the status of Zika. Florida's public health laboratory is able to test for Zika infection, and it works closely with health care providers to offer the testing. Mary Briggs, a spokeswoman for the Lee Memorial Health System in Lee County, had no information whether the public hospital system has been treating the two individuals in Lee who are infected. The virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which also spreads dengue and yellow fever. Zika virus is common in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. About one in five people infected with the Zika virus are symptomatic, which include low-grade fever, rash, joint pain, body aches, headaches, and vomiting. The state health department has posted on its website a public safety video that also instruct the public about ways to prevent mosquito bites. The video and other information is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE6tkoWanXk. Residents are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and apply mosquito repellent when they are outside. When it comes to homes, repair broken screens in windows and keep doors closed. http://www.naplesnews.com/news/health/two-cases-of-travel-related-zika-virus-reported-in-lee-county-2ad1105f-58ca-4081-e053-0100007f37b0-367412661.html

ZIKA VIRUS OUTBREAK COVERAGE OF THE SPREAD OF THE ZIKA VIRUS IN THE AMERICAS6 New Travel-Related Cases of Zika Reported in Florida View Comments (0)|Email|Print APFlorida health officials say they've reported six new travel-related cases of the Zika virus to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Florida Department of Health reported in a news release Tuesday that two cases were reported in Miami-Dade County, two cases in Hillsborough, two cases in Lee and one case in Santa Rosa. 2 Cases of Zika Virus Confirmed in Miami-DadeAll of the cases were believed to be contracted outside of the state. Florida has reported a total of nine travel-associated cases to the federal government. None of the cases involve pregnant women. Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy. http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/6-New-Travel-Related-Cases-of-Zika-Reported-in-Florida-367419971.html

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Feb. 2, 2016 DEPARTMENT REPORTS SIX NEW TRAVEL-ASSOCIATED ZIKA CASES TO THE CDCContact:Communications [email protected](850) 245-4111 Tallahassee, Fla.—This week, the Florida Department of Health reported six new travel-associated cases of Zika in Florida to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). Travel-related cases are defined as disease believed to be contracted outside of the state. Florida has reported a total of nine travel-related cases to the federal government. While the CDC has not identified Florida as an area of local Zika risk, the Florida Department of Health is closely monitoring imported disease. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott and State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong were briefed by the CDC on the status of Zika virus. The CDC has issued travel notices for Zika virus for several countries. More information about the CDC’s notices can be found here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices. “Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus.” More Information on CDC precautions and DOH monitoring of Zika: According to the CDC, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.Florida’s public health laboratory has a developed capacity to test for infections. The department works closely with health care providers in the state to offer testing to individuals that meet CDC testing criteria.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; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions.To date, Florida has confirmed nine travel-associated cases, which involve residents from the following counties:Miami-Dade – 4 casesHillsborough – 2 casesLee – 2 casesSanta Rosa – 1 caseThe department has a PSA video that media partners are welcome to share regarding “Drain and Cover” and preventing mosquito bites. The video can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE6tkoWanXkFor 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.

Florida Confirms Zika In Six More Travelers http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2015/11/Article020216-drain-and-cover.html