Health officials from Harris County, Texas, have confirmed the state's first case of Zika-related microcephaly.
The mother had previously traveled to Latin America and was tested for the Zika virus, though these test results came back inconclusive. The infant tested positive for Zika and has been diagnosed with microcephaly, suggesting the mother carried the virus during her pregnancy and likely became infected in Latin America.
"Microcephaly is one of the worst tragedies related to Zika virus infection. We are sad to report that we now have our first case of Zika-associated microcephaly and our hearts go out to the family," said Umair A. Shah, MD, executive director of Harris County Public Health. "While this remains a travel-associated case, we know that prevention is key to reducing the risk of Zika virus infection...we continue to encourage individuals traveling to areas where the virus has been identified to take steps to prevent Zika infection, and to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they develop Zika symptoms even upon return to the United States."
Dr. Shah recently expressed his frustration with the inability of federal legislators to pass appropriate funding to combat the spread of Zika, stating, "It's too late. Mosquito season is here."
As of June 30, there have been 320 pregnant women in the U.S. with laboratory evidence of Zika infection.
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