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Dallas reports case of Zika spread through sexual transmission, CDC advises avoidance of semen of people exposedPrint Article By Lena H. Sun and Ariana Eunjung Cha February 2 at 4:42 PM Dallas County, Tex., health authorities said Tuesday they have received confirmation of the first Zika virus case acquired through sexual transmission. In a statement, the Dallas County Health and Human Services department said the patient was infected with the virus after having sexual contact with a sick person who returned from a country where Zika virus is present. Dallas authorities said they received confirmation that the patient was infected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This represents the first case of someone being infected while in the United States during this outbreak, the CDC said Tuesday. The other Zika cases in the United States have all involved people who have returned from Zika-affected regions. [Zika crisis: What is microcephaly? And what does this mean for babies?] "CDC has confirmed through laboratory testing the first U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a non-traveler in the continental United States," the agency said in a statement. "According to a Dallas County Health Department investigation, 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." (iStock)The CDC is now saying that the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites AND to avoid exposure to semen from someone who has been exposed to Zika virus or has been ill from Zika virus infection. "We do not have definitive information on the infectious time period, and will provide more guidance as we learn more," the agency said. "Sexual partners can protect each other by using condoms to prevent spreading sexually transmitted infections. People who have Zika virus infection can protect others by preventing additional mosquito bites." [WHO declares global health emergency, says causal link to brain defects strongly suspected] For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, Dallas health authorities said they are not providing additional identifying information. “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.” “We’ve been tracking the case for maybe a week or two,” Dallas County health director Zachary Thompson said in a brief phone interview Tuesday. He said officials waited for confirmation that the patient had the virus from the CDC before disclosing circumstances of the case. Dallas authorities investigated the case. Public health officials have stressed that the Zika virus is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. There have been isolated reports of transmission through sexual activity. But if the virus is shown to be transmitted readily through sexual contact, it could only further complicate efforts to stop the transmission of the Zika virus. [Graphic: What you need to know about Zika] Researchers have been speculating about the possibility of transmission of Zika virus through sexual contact since 2008, when an American scientist who had been traveling in southeastern Senegal was suspected of transmitting it to his wife. In the days after his return to Colorado, the man and his wife had sex. Several days after that, the man became symptomatic, experiencing swollen ankles, a rash on his torso and extreme fatigue and headache, but no fever, according to a description published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. His wife – who had not traveled out of the country in the previous year – experienced similar symptoms. The man and his wife’s infections with Zika were confirmed through blood tests, but the researchers did not investigate whether the virus was present in his semen. Researchers speculated at the time that infected semen may have transmitted the virus, or that another bodily fluid, such as saliva, could be responsible. They did note that the illness did not develop in the couple's four children, however. Brian Foy, an associate professor at Colorado State University who works on infectious diseases and the lead author of the paper, subsequently told journalists he was the scientist being discussed. The issue came up again in 2013 when doctors in French Polynesia isolated a high concentration of actively replicating virus in a 44-year-old man’s semen and concluded that “this observation supports the possibility that [Zika virus] could be transmitted sexually.” The World Health Organization designated the Zika virus and its suspected complications in newborns as a public health emergency of international concern Monday. The action, which the international body has taken only three times before, paves the way for the mobilization of more funding and manpower to fight the mosquito-born pathogen spreading "explosively" through the Americas. This post has been updated. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/02/02/dallas-reports-case-of-zika-spread-through-sexual-transmission /

Zika Virus – Feb. 2, 2016Texas has six confirmed travel-related cases of Zika virus disease, all among residents of Harris County. The travelers were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. There has been no reported local transmission of the disease in the continental United States. Zika is 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 CDC Zika Virus https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

First case of Zika virus disease contracted in TexasBy Calily BienPublished: February 2, 2016, 2:23 pm Updated: February 2, 2016, 3:21 pmClick to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) 31Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)31 Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)An 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)Related CoverageZika diagnosis confirmed in San Antonio area Texas the ‘perfect storm’ for developing Zika virus? DALLAS, Texas (KXAN) — The first Zika virus case transmitted through sex in Texas has been identified in Dallas County. On Tuesday, the Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control on the positive sample. Officials say the patient was infected with the virus after having sexual contact with an ill individual who returned from a country where Zika virus is present. Prior to this case, the CDC indicated on its website that no locally transmitted Zike cases have been reported in the United States, but only in returning travelers. “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.” UT researchers creating devices to detect viruses in mosquitoesHealth officials in Dallas County says there are no reports of Zika virus being transmitted by mosquitoes in their county. However, it is still important to protect yourself from mosquitoes because imported cases may spread through local mosquitoes because they can transmit the virus. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Texas Department of State Health Services confirms there are a total of eight cases of Zika virus in Texas–six from Harris County and two in Dallas County (which includes the sexually transmitted case). Seven of the cases are all related to foreign travel. Currently, testing for Zika virus is done through the CDC but Texas is working on the ability to test for the virus at its Austin lab. “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. 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. Individuals with symptoms are urged 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. Currently, there is no specific medication available to treat Zika virus and there is not a vaccine. http://kxan.com/2016/02/02/zika-case-transmitted-through-sex-identified-in-dallas-county/

Health officials say a patient in Texas has acquired the Zika virus through sexual transmission Associated PressFeb. 2, 2016, at 3:42 p.m.+ More DALLAS (AP) — Health officials say a patient in Texas has acquired the Zika virus through sexual transmission. Dallas County Health and Human Services said Tuesday it received confirmation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient was infected after having sexual contact with an ill person who returned from a country where Zika was present. The Zika virus is usually spread through mosquito bites. Investigators have been exploring the possibility the virus also can be spread through sex. It was found 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. Health officials note there are no reports of Zika being transmitted by mosquitoes in Dallas County. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2016-02-02/sexually-transmitted-zika-case-confirmed-in-texas?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Dallas County HHS ‏@DCHHS 14m14 minutes agoCDC performed and confirmed the test on our first #Zika case. DCHHS performed the public health follow-up to ascertain mode of transmission.

Map update https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&hl=en&authuser=0&authuser=0&mid=zv94AJqgUct4.kT4qLMXp3SLU

Dallas County HHS ‏@DCHHS 24m24 minutes agoCLARIFICATION: Dallas County's 1st case of #Zika thru sex was acquired from someone who traveled to Venezuela, confirmed case did not travel

Life | Tue Feb 2, 2016 3:27pm ESTRelated: HEALTHCDC says the agency did not investigate Dallas Zika caseCHICAGO The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday it has not investigated how the Zika virus was transmitted to a person in Dallas. The health department in Dallas said in a statement on Tuesday the CDC confirmed the person was infected by Zika, but a CDC spokesman said Dallas handled the investigation into how the virus was transmitted. (Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-cdc-idUSKCN0VB2DV?mod=related&channelName=healthNews

Life | Tue Feb 2, 2016 3:32pm ESTRelated: HEALTHDallas County reports first U.S. case of Zika virusAUSTIN, TEXAS World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Margaret Chan speaks during a news conference after the first meeting of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee concerning the Zika virus in Geneva, Switzerland, February 1, 2016.REUTERS/PIERRE ALBOUY The first U.S. case of the Zika virus has been contracted in Dallas County, local health officials said on Tuesday, adding there are no reports of the virus being locally transmitted by mosquitoes in the Texas county. Dallas County Health and Human Services said the case in Dallas was acquired through sexual transmission, adding that it received confirmation of the infection from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The county did not identify the person infected. The CDC said it did not investigate how the virus was transmitted. http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-zika-dallas-report-idUSKCN0VB2CQ RELATED COVERAGE› CDC says the agency did not investigate Dallas Zika caseThere have been six confirmed travel-related cases of Zika virus disease, all among residents of Harris County, where Houston is located, the Texas Department of State Health Services said. In medical literature, there has been only one case of Zika transmitted sexually and one case in which the virus was detected in semen. (Reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Zika Virus – Feb. 2, 2016Texas has six confirmed travel-related cases of Zika virus disease, all among residents of Harris County. The travelers were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. There has been no reported local transmission of the disease in the continental United States. Zika is 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 CDC Zika Virus https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

Zika Virus – Feb. 2, 2016Texas has six confirmed travel-related cases of Zika virus disease, all among residents of Harris County. The travelers were infected abroad and diagnosed after they returned home. There has been no reported local transmission of the disease in the continental United States. Zika is 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 CDC Zika Virus https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/news/updates.shtm

Map updated https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=en&hl=en&authuser=0&authuser=0&mid=zv94AJqgUct4.kT4qLMXp3SLU

Sexually transmitted case of Zika virus reported in Dallas County(John Tann/Flickr) By: FOX4News.com Staff POSTED:FEB 02 2016 01:18PM CST UPDATED:FEB 02 2016 01:40PM CST DALLAS - Dallas County health officials have confirmed a case of Zika virus acquired through sexual transmission. The patient reportedly had sexual contact with another infected individual who recently returned from a country where the Zika virus is present, according to a release from Dallas County Health and Human Services. Sponsored Links How I Finally Understood My 401(k)… in 10 minutesMint | Future Advisor Beautiful Cheerleaders From All Around The U.S.Travelerseek "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." Top fox4news.com Searches Dog Of The DayLeah DunnBen FergusonFatal Car CrashCar CrashesDallas FireIrving FireJames SmithTypically the Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitos, but doctors are now learning that it can also be spread from person to person through sexual activity. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Usually these symptoms are mild and only last several days. Health officials have noted a suspicious link between Zika’s arrival in Brazil last year and a surge in the number of babies born with abnormally small heads. The World Health Organization declared an international emergency on Monday. "After a review of the evidence, the committee advised that the clusters of microcephaly and other neurological complications constitute an extraordinary event and public health threat to other parts of the world," WHO Director General Margaret Chan said. WHO estimates there could be up to 4 million cases of Zika in the Americas in the next year. There are currently no reports of the virus being locally transmitted by mosquitoes in Dallas County. However, health officials said it could happen eventually. http://www.fox4news.com/news/83981891-story

1st Zika virus case acquired through sexual transmission, health officials confirmBy News 2 StaffPublished: February 2, 2016, 2:45 pmClick to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) 3Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)3 Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Related CoveragePregnant Lowcountry woman explains Zika virus concerns WHO declares spread of Zika in Americas an international emergency Zika Fears: Airlines Offer Free Refunds, Rebooking for Pregnant Fliers DALLAS, Texas (KPRC) – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the first Zika virus case acquired through sexual transmission in Dallas County in 2016. The patient was infected with the virus after having sexual contact with an ill individual who returned from a country where Zika virus is present. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information. “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.” 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. “I think the bottom line is that there have been a few reported cases,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine. He added, “But as far as we know this should still be considered a rare or uncommon mode of transmission relative to mosquito transmission.” 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. “Education and awareness is crucial in preventing Zika virus,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority. “Patients are highly encouraged to follow prevention recommendations to avoid transmitting and spreading 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. http://counton2.com/2016/02/02/1st-zika-virus-case-acquired-through-sexual-transmission-health-officials-confirm/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DCHHS Reports First Zika Virus Case in Dallas County Acquired Through Sexual Transmission 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 first Zika virus case acquired through sexual transmission in Dallas County in 2016. The patient was infected with the virus after having sexual contact with an ill individual who returned from a country where Zika virus is present. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information. “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.” 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. “Education and awareness is crucial in preventing Zika virus,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority. “Patients are highly encouraged to follow prevention recommendations to avoid transmitting and spreading 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.

Dallas County Health & Human Services cites Zika sexual transmission http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/press/documents/PR2-2-16DCHHSReportsFirstCaseofZikaVirusThroughSexualTransmission.pdf

Pennsylvania awaits test results for Zika virusA doctor checks a test tube with a blood sample for Zika virus testing from a pregnant woman, at the maternity ward of a hospital in Guatemala on Jan. 28, 2016. PHOTO BY REUTERS BY BEN SCHMITT | Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, 3:21 p.m.Related Stories• WHO declares global emergency over Zika virus spread• WHO labels spread of Zika virus an international public health emergency• UPMC doctor: Stop Zika at its source — the mosquito Email NewslettersSign up for one of our email newsletters. Updated 14 hours ago Pennsylvania health officials are awaiting test results for seven state residents who may have contracted the mosquito-borne Zika virus while recently traveling out of the country. Test results came back for one other Pennsylvania resident who tested negative, state officials said Monday. So far, no locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the United States. The illness has been reported in travelers returning from affected countries, although it cannot be transmitted from person to person. It could take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention up to two weeks to complete the remaining tests at its laboratories in Atlanta. The state health department plans to release local updates on a weekly basis. The primary mosquito that carries Zika is not found in Pennsylvania, experts said. However, the Asian tiger mosquito, a secondary type of mosquito that can carry the disease, has been found in the state. There is no cure for the Zika virus, and there is no vaccine to prevent it. In many cases, symptoms are mild or go unnoticed, experts said. Zika spreads through mosquito bites, and symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. However, Zika has been linked to an increase in the births of babies with abnormally small heads in Brazil, a condition known as microcephaly. The World Health Organization said the virus could affect as many as 4 million people in the Americas. The virus has been confirmed in more than 20 countries, mostly in Central and South America, according to the CDC. It is spread by the same mosquito that spreads dengue and yellow fever. Ben Schmitt is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7991 [email protected]. http://triblive.com/news/healthnews/9885831-74/mosquito-pennsylvania-zika

Jamaica Reports First Case Of Zika VirusEarly reports said that Jamaica’s first confirmed Zika infection stemmed from a 4-year-old’s travel to Texas. But Texas says it ain’t so. posted on Feb. 1, 2016, at 1:59 p.m.Dan VerganoBuzzFeed News ReporterTweetTumblr Ministry of Health / Jamaica / Via moh.gov.jm Jamaica reported its first confirmed case of Zika virus over the weekend. The 4-year-old child initially developed symptoms in the middle of January and the Zika infection was confirmed on January 29. News stories citing Jamaica’s health ministry claimed the child acquired the infection in Texas. But the ministry now says the “case is being investigated to determine the source of infection,” including tests of Jamaican mosquitoes. An outbreak of Zika has spread to 23 nations in the Americas in the last year, marked by a strongly suspected link to thousands of children born with microcephaly, an abnormally small brain and skull, in Brazil. Jamaica, along with Columbia and El Salvador, has recommended women avoid pregnancy in response. “Based on case information available at this time, the evidence supports the fact that infection likely occurred in Jamaica and does not raise a concern for local transmission here,” Carrie Williams of the Texas Department of State Health Services told BuzzFeed News by email. If that is confirmed, it would mean the virus linked to an outbreak of severe birth defects in Brazil is being spread by mosquitoes in Jamaica. In the U.S., there have been 31 cases of confirmed Zika infections, 6 of them in Texas, and all of them acquired by overseas travelers. Jamaica’s Ministry of Health originally planned a public briefing on Zika on Monday, but has postponed the event until Tuesday. “Be Aware, Zika Is Near,” says the ministry’s website, advising pregnant women to take extra care to avoid mosquito bites. http://www.buzzfeed.com/danvergano/zika-in-jamaica

Jamaica Confirms First Case of the Zika Virus The Ministry of Health has confirmed one case of the Zika virus in Jamaica. The patient who has now recovered is a four year old child from Portmore, St. Catherine. The child began showing symptoms on January 17, 2016 after earlier returning to Jamaica from travel to Texas in the United States. The child was investigated at the Bustamante Hospital for Children and samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing on January 26, 2016. The Ministry received the positive zika virus test result from CARPHA late Friday afternoon (January, 29, 2016). The case is being investigated to determine the source of infection and the child’s parents and family have been contacted and briefed by a team from the Ministry of Health. No other family member is ill at this time. As part of its investigations the Ministry of Health has undertaken the necessary community interventions in and around the area where the child lives to determine whether there are other cases and has heightened vector control activities. The Minister of Health will provide a full update to the nation at a press briefing to be held on Monday, February 1, 2016. In the meantime, the Ministry is advising persons, particularly pregnant women, to take extra precaution to prevent being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which transmit the Zika virus. There is adequate medication available in the public health system at this time to treat the symptoms of Zika virus infection in the event of additional cases being identified. Posted on January 30, 2016http://moh.gov.jm/jamaica-confirms-first-case-of-the-zika-virus/

Metro Health Confirms First Zika Case Contact: Carol Schliesinger, Public Relations Manager210-207-8172 SAN ANTONIO (Feb. 1, 2016) – The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the first case of Zika in Bexar County. Metro Health also has additional possible infections under investigation. All are associated with travel to affected areas. The individual has now recovered and is virus-free. The Zika virus is part of the same family as the viruses that cause yellow fever, West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue. Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. About one in five people infected with Zika will get sick. According to the World Health Organization, which met today, most cases will have no symptoms but the virus has been linked to brain abnormalities in thousands of babies in Brazil. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. With no treatment or vaccine available, avoid traveling to the parts of the world where the virus is spreading. If you do travel to a country where Zika is present, the CDC advises strict adherence to mosquito protection measures: Use an EPA-approved repellent over sunscreen Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts thick enough to block a mosquito biteSleep in air-conditioned, screened rooms See your healthcare provider if you have traveled to a country where Zika virus is occurring and are currently experiencing symptoms (fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes) within 2 weeks after traveling. Be sure to tell your health care provider where you traveled. http://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/NewsReleases/TabId/1626/ArtMID/9362/ArticleID/6609/Metro-Health-Confirms-First-Zika-Case.aspx

Zika virus: a third case listed in Quebec 95SHARE ON FACEBOOK SHARE ON TWITTER OTHER REUTERS QMI AGENCY Monday, February 1, 2016 11:51Update Monday, February 1, 2016 11:51QUÉBEC | The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) confirmed late in the day Monday that third Québécois Zika virus had contracted during a trip abroad. SEE BELOW: 5 Things to Know About ZikaThe MSSS was not able to say which country the patient had stayed. However, it was possible to learn that, like the other two infected people, the new patient had symptoms similar to those of influenza and was doing relatively well. Earlier in the day, Minister of Health, Gaétan Barrette had confirmed a second Quebecers Zika had contracted during a trip to Brazil. Last Friday, the national public health director Horacio Arruda, announced that the first case of an infected person had been identified in Quebec. The patient had contracted the virus while traveling in South America. According to the management of public health, people who contract the virus, for the overwhelming majority are asymptomatic. When infected people have symptoms, they are usually mild: mild fever, rash, physical weakness, lack of energy and headaches. However, the virus can cause serious complications in babies carried by a mother who contracted the virus during pregnancy. The Minister has also Barrette served a warning to pregnant women can find them in one of the countries suffering from the virus. "If today you are a pregnant woman in the first quarter [...] take your holiday elsewhere because there is a risk," warned the Minister. Zika virus has a three to twelve day incubation period. The symptoms last between two to seven days. http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2016/02/01/virus-zika-un-deuxieme-cas-repertorie-au-quebec-1

Third Quebecer infected with Zika virus, but there's no risk to public, health minister saysAARON DERFEL, MONTREAL GAZETTE More from Aaron Derfel, Montreal GazettePublished on: February 1, 2016 | Last Updated: February 1, 2016 7:04 PM ESTAn aedes albopictus mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a human host. Health officials are telling pregnant women to avoid travel to Latin America and Caribbean countries with outbreaks of a tropical illness linked to birth defects. The Zika virus is spread through mosquito bite. JAMES GATHANY / CDC SHAREADJUSTCOMMENTPRINTThe provincial Health Department confirmed on Monday that a third Quebecer contracted the Zika virus while travelling abroad as the World Health Organization declared that the pathogen is now a “public health emergency of international concern.” Health Minister Gaétan Barrette, however, emphasized that Quebecers are not at risk — as long as they don’t travel to Brazil and surrounding countries where the mosquito-borne virus is prevalent. The Zika virus is “strongly suspected” of causing microcephaly, a congenital condition that causes brain damage and abnormally small heads in newborns. “These (three) individuals will not contaminate other people in Quebec, because in order to contaminate people, you need to have a mosquito that bites the person,” Barrette told reporters, following a news conference announcing renovations to a long-term care centre in Cartierville. “We don’t have these mosquitoes in Quebec,” he added. “This is a mosquito that needs a tropical environment to live.” On Friday, public-health authorities announced that a Quebecer contracted the Zika virus but has recovered fully. Barrette noted the “second person had a cold-like syndrome that was normal in the sense that it was not serious. This person didn’t suffer complications and is at home without problems.” On Monday afternoon, the health department announced the third case. Meanwhile, Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the WHO, called the Zika outbreak “an extraordinary event” that requires a co-ordinated response. “I am now declaring that the recent cluster of microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities reported in Latin America following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014 constitutes a public health emergency of international concern,” Chan told reporters in Geneva where WHO scientists held an urgent meeting. Brazil has reported about 4,000 cases of microcephaly since October. The virus is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito — the same species of fly that is responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. At present, there is no vaccine or medication for Zika. About 80 per cent of those who contract the virus don’t develop any symptoms. For those who do, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Barrette said the Quebec Health Department will probably launch a public information campaign about Zika in the coming days. For the time being, he advised pregnant women not to travel to affected areas, which include much of South America, Central America and Mexico. “For the population of Quebec, the impact is non-existent, for all intents and purposes, as long as people don’t travel to the affected zones,” he added. [email protected] twitter.com/Aaron_Derfel http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/second-quebecer-infected-with-zika-virus-health-minister

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