HARRIS COUNTY -- The death of a Texas newborn has been linked to the Zika virus, health officials say.
Dr. Umair Shah with Harris County Public Health says the baby girl died at birth several weeks ago from "Zika-associated complications."
She was born with multiple birth defects, which could have been caused by Zika, including severe microcephaly, Dr. Shah said.
The baby's mother moved to Harris County from an affected region during her second trimester and never developed symptoms of Zika.
This case is being classified as "travel-related," and officials say there isn't a risk of infection in Texas.
"The saddest outcome of Zika’s health effects often impact the most vulnerable. We are devastated to report our first case of Zika-associated death and our hearts go out to the family,” said Dr. Shah. “While this is a travel-associated case, we know that prevention is key to reducing the risk of Zika virus infection. 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 abroad.”
“Zika’s impact on unborn babies can be tragic, and our hearts are with this family,” Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner, said. “Our central mission from the beginning has been to do everything we can to protect unborn babies from the devastating effects of Zika.”
Another Harris County infant to have microcephaly linked to Zika was reported last month.
Ninety-seven cases of Zika have been reported in Texas this year. All are related to traveling abroad in areas where the virus can be transmitted.
There have been no reported cases of Zika virus disease transmitted by mosquitoes in Texas, but Texas is on alert for the possibility local transmission," the health department said.
When outdoors, prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains one of the following: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow product instructions.
Over the weekend, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott detailed measures the state has taken for funding to prevent the spreading of Zika, but said it is prepared to fight the virus should it become prevalent in the Lone Star State.
“I directed the Texas Department of Health Services to work closely with our local partners as well as with our partners at the Center for Disease Control to prevent a Zika outbreak here in Texas as well as to prepare the strongest possible Zika response plan.
“We have assembled millions in state and federal funds to help attack the problem.”
According to a report from USA Today, the CDC says 15 babies in the U.S. have been born with Zika-related birth defects.
Seven women have lost pregnancies due to Zika. Those numbers could grow. Nearly 1,000 pregnant women in the continental U.S. and territories have been infected with Zika.
More than 7,300 Americans have been diagnosed with Zika, including 1,825 in the continental U.S. and Hawaii, according to the CDC.
Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of the Aedes species mosquito.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of Zika are usually mild and include fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and joint-pain, lasting several days to a week. Zika can also be transmitted sexually.
CDC has confirmed Zika is linked to birth defects.
Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and death is rare. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus infection.
For more information go here.