With local Zika cases detected in Florida and increased travel to Brazil for the Summer Olympics, Texas is on high alert for local Zika transmission by mosquito bites and is urging everyone to strictly follow precautions.
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“It’s the perfect mix – local transmission in Florida, travel to Brazil, and we’re at the height of mosquito season in Texas,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner. “Local transmission here is likely at some point. The good news is that Texas is ready.”
The Texas response plan is in effect. Texas has reported 93 cases of Zika virus disease – all related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission. No local transmission through mosquito bite has been detected yet in Texas. State efforts have been underway since January to delay and minimize the impact of Zika on Texas.
“If Texas has local transmission, we’ll quickly announce it and describe the area of potential risk for Texans,” Dr. Hellerstedt said. “We’re working in lockstep with our local and federal partners to ensure a strong Texas response.”
DSHS is spending more than $6 million in state and federal funds on disease surveillance, expanded lab testing capabilities, public education and awareness, Zika prevention kits and other efforts to build a strong infrastructure to help protect Texans from Zika. Texas Medicaid announced today it will cover the cost of mosquito repellent for eligible women who are between the ages of 10 and 45 or pregnant.
DSHS has identified and exercised eight state public health Zika Response Teams that are ready to deploy if local transmission is detected in Texas. These scalable regional teams will be able to assist local entities with investigating possible cases, evaluating environments for mosquito activity, providing door-to-door education and other response efforts.
Last week, state health officials briefed Gov. Greg Abbott on the state’s response and preparations. Next week the Governor’s Task Force on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response will meet again in Austin to discuss Zika and other issues.
“We’re doing everything we can, and people have the power to protect themselves,” Dr. Hellerstedt said. “Insect repellent and information are our best defense.”
While local transmission in Texas remains likely at some point, public health officials do not expect widespread transmission across large geographic areas of the state. Small pockets of cases are more likely. This assessment is based on the state’s past experience with dengue, a similar virus spread by the same mosquitoes, and on the prevalent use of window screens, air conditioning, insect repellent and other mosquito control efforts in Texas.
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