Health officials in Texas detected four more cases of Zika likely transmitted by local mosquitoes in Cameron County.
The new cases were found among individuals living in close proximity to the first patient in the state believed to contract Zika from local mosquitoes. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported the first case on Nov. 28. The new cases were detected after public health workers went door to door in Brownsville last week to provide testing and educational materials to neighbors of the infected patient.
"The combination of mosquito control and colder weather has decreased mosquito activity in Cameron County and greatly decreased the probability of more widespread mosquito transmission of Zika right now," said John Hellerstedt, MD, DSHS commissioner. "However, winters are mild in southern Texas, and mosquito populations can rebound even during short periods of warmer weather. Whenever you see mosquito activity, protect yourself and your family from bites."
State health officials will continue working to detect additional cases and identify additional zones of potential transmission. Since the detection of the additional cases, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will now be covered for mosquito repellant under Medicaid through Dec. 31.
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