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First Zika-Associated Death In Texas Reported In Harris County

A newborn girl in Harris County is the first Zika-associated death in Texas, Harris County Public Health confirmed Tuesday.

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A newborn girl in Harris County is the first Zika-associated death in Texas, Harris County Public Health confirmed Tuesday.

The baby was born with birth defects, including microcephaly, and died shortly after birth, Harris County Health officials said.

Health officials say they believe the child's mother became infected with Zika during travels to Latin America during her pregnancy.

"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," Umair A. Shah, MD, MPH, Executive Director of HCPH stated in a news release. "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."

Click here to read more about Zika.

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