The baby passed away shortly after birth and is the first Zika-related death reported in Texas.
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The baby was born in Harris County, which includes Houston.
The Zika virus has also raised questions about abortion, given the link between the virus and microcephaly in babies born of infected women.
“The saddest outcome of Zika’s health effects often impact the most vulnerable”.
Officials with the state of Texas have confirmed that an infant who recently died in Harris County had microcephaly linked to the Zika virus. “Harris County Public Health continues to actively work on protecting the community from mosquito-related diseases, but individuals must also protect themselves from getting bitten by mosquitoes locally and overseas”.
“While this investigation is ongoing, DOH still believes active transmissions are only taking place within the identified area that is less than one-square mile in Miami-Dade County”, Scott said in his statement. “County health officials and emergency management personnel have been studying Zika intently and are prepared to respond to any local developments”.
Another Harris County infant to have microcephaly linked to Zika was reported last month. It is the 17th case of Zika virus in south Florida believed to be acquired from infected mosquitoes. When asked by a local reporter about the issue, Trump said Rick Scott, the state’s Republican governor is doing a “fantastic job” and “seems to have it under control”.
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio said Monday that he opposes abortions for women infected with Zika, citing his belief that “all human life is worthy of protection of our laws”. Those numbers could grow.
“The big concern is … seven, eight or nine months from now, as we go into the spring of 2017, we might see microcephaly in babies born to mothers who’ve never left the country and who’ve been in continental U.S”.
More than 7,300 Americans have been diagnosed with Zika, including 1,825 in the continental US and Hawaii, according to the CDC.
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Aerial pesticide spraying in northern Miami began last week to reduce the population of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the species responsible for spreading the virus.
