Harris County Public Health confirmed the first Zika-related death in the state of Texas in a newborn female Aug. 9. The infant tested positive for Zika after being born with birth defects including microcephaly. The mother traveled to Latin America while pregnant where officials believe she was infected. The baby died shortly after being born in Harris County. “The saddest outcome of Zika’s health effects often impact the most vulnerable,” HCPH Executive Director Umair Shah said. “We are devastated to report our first case of Zika-associated death and our hearts go out to the family.” Although this particular Zika case was associated with travel, Shah stressed that prevention is key to reducing risks. “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,” he said. Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of Zika are typically mild and can include fever, rash, red eyes and joint pain lasting several days. Zika can also be transmitted sexually and is linked to birth defects. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika, but hospitalization and death is rare. Officials with HCPH said mosquito bites can be prevented by using an EPA-registered insect repellent when outdoors. The CDC recommends getting rid of standing water, maintaining swimming pools and maintaining plants near homes. Those traveling to areas where the Zika virus is found should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, and pregnant women should avoid travel to Zika-affected areas, CDC officials said. “Despite the horrible news regarding the recent Zika-related death, the residents of Harris County should be reassured that their county and state officials are continuing to monitor Zika-related developments worldwide and have plans in place to respond to any potential risks to public health,” Harris County Judge Ed Emmett said in a press release. “County health officials and emergency management personnel have been studying Zika intently and are prepared to respond to any local developments.” To learn more about the Zika virus, visit www.hcphtx.org and www.cdc.gov.