Metro Health updates Zika cases in Bexar County

3 confirmed cases in Bexar County

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District updated the latest case information of Zika in Bexar County. As of Friday there are still three confirmed Zika virus cases and 26 individuals under investigation for possible infection. Additionally, six individuals’ test results came back negative from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The delay in test responses from CDC is a common occurrence throughout the nation, given that one laboratory is processing all samples from across the country. The CDC also recently expanded its case guidelines, creating a higher number of samples to test.

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The three individuals with confirmed cases acquired the infection while traveling abroad.

In accordance with CDC guidelines, gender or pregnancy status will not be released along with case information and updates in order to protect the privacy of these individuals.

The Zika virus is part of the same family as the viruses that cause yellow fever, West Nile, Chikungunya and dengue. Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. In rare cases, it can be transmitted through sexual activity or blood transfusion.

For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis (which is redness of the eyes). Symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Due to a possible link between infection during pregnancy and microcephaly in the infant, pregnant women are strongly advised to delay travel to Zika-affected areas. If travel is unavoidable they should take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites. See your health care provider if you are pregnant and have traveled to a Zika-affected area within the last 12 weeks.