The CDC has alerted Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services in Texas that a traveler who recently returned to Texas from Latin America has a confirmed Zika virus infection.
According to a HCPHES press release, the Texas traveler developed symptoms frequently linked with the virus including fever, rash and joint pain.
"Prevention is key to reducing the risk of Zika virus infection," said Umair A. Shah, MD, executive director of HCPHES. Dr. Shah suggests local residents who recently traveled to an area where the virus has been identified contact their healthcare provider if the develop similar symptoms.
Zika virus is transmitted to people via a specific species of mosquito found through tropical regions of the world that also transmits chikungunya and dengue viruses. The first U.S. case of Zika was recently reported in Puerto Rico.
For more information on Zika virus and other emerging tropical diseases, click here.
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