The long talked about and feared Zika Virus has made it to Lubbock.

The City of Lubbock Health Department in a press release Thursday says the virus made it to the Hub City after confirming the patient who contracted the disease had traveled outside the United States.

TexasZika.Org reports the virus is primarily spread to people by mosquito bites. The virus can be spread from the mother to its child while pregnant and sexual contact.

A total of 44 cases have been reported in the State of Texas with Harris County boasting the most cases at 13.

From the press release:

The City of Lubbock Health Department (COLHD) has received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services that the Zika virus has been confirmed in a traveler who recently returned from travel outside of the United States.

The individual developed symptoms that are often associated with the Zika virus which include: fever, rash and joint pain.

The COLHD had previously alerted local health care providers and partner organizations to be aware of Zika as they see patients and to ask about travel history.

The department works with providers to help them assess the need for laboratory testing and facilitate testing through public health laboratories.

The COLHD also works in conjunction with the City of Lubbock Vector Control Group who surveys local mosquito populations, submits mosquitoes for disease testing and treats mosquito breeding areas throughout Lubbock City and County.

At this time no mosquitos have tested positive for Zika virus.

What precautions can you make to combat mosquitoes?

  • Wear insect repellent certified by the EPA
  • Wear long sleeves and pants while outside
  • Keep mosquitoes out of living areas by using air conditioning or intact window screens
  • Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times

To get more information on the Zika visit cdc.gov/zika/ ortexaszika.org/

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