Zika Case in Smith County

TYLER – The first case of the Zika Virus has been identified in Smith County. Northeast Texas Public Health reports the case was not contracted in the county. But a person who lives in the county traveled to an area endemic with the Zika virus. NET Health said it is monitoring the situation closely in regards to what this means for our residents and visitors of east Texas. There are no other cases of suspected transmission of the Zika virus in Smith County at this time, and no local transmission of the Zika virus from a mosquito bite has been detected in east Texas.

East Texas residents who may be traveling to locations with existing Zika cases in the United States and in Central America, South America and the Caribbean should be aware that mosquito prevention techniques need to still be followed, even with the upcoming temperature changes.

George Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of NET Health. “Everyone should remember the Four D’s of mosquito prevention:
* DEET – apply mosquito repellent that lists DEET as the active ingredient.
* Drain any standing water that you find on your property
* Dress in light, long-sleeved shirts and pants
* Dusk/Dawn – avoid outside activities at dusk and dawn”