Press Release
CDC Issues Updated Guidance for Zika Virus Cases in Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (December 14, 2016) – State, county and local health departments continue to investigate five locally acquired Zika virus cases in Brownsville. While there is no evidence of widespread, sustained local transmission, temperatures in the region are conducive to mosquito-borne transmission, and therefore, the risk of continued locally acquired cases.

As authorities continue this ongoing investigation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued updated testing and travel guidance for the city of Brownsville. Based on the earliest time of symptom onset for cases of locally acquired Zika virus in Brownsville, and a maximal two-week incubation period for Zika virus, this guidance applies to pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and their sexual partners who live in or traveled to Brownsville on or after October 29, 2016.

“The City of Brownsville is working hand-in-hand with federal, state, and county health authorities throughout this active, ongoing response and surveillance of locally acquired Zika virus cases,” said Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez. “The health and safety of our citizens is of utmost importance. We will continue to perform educational outreach and intensive vector control efforts for this very serious health threat. Residents, especially pregnant women, are encouraged to protect themselves by taking precautionary measures.”

The City of Brownsville encourages citizens to take the following preventative measures:

• Apply EPA-registered mosquito repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Spray exposed skin and clothing with repellent. Be sure to read label instructions on any repellent and use as directed. Dress protectively by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes when you are outside. Drain standing water in your backyard and neighborhood.
• Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Stay indoors to prevent mosquito bites. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
• Use protection during sex especially if your partner traveled to an area with Zika virus or if you are pregnant or considering getting pregnant. Women and men who are considering starting or expanding their family should talk to their healthcare provider to inform their decisions about timing of pregnancy.
• Bring unused tires to the City of Brownsville Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfill, free of charge with a Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) account of charges. Maximum: Four tires.

To report mosquito concerns or illegal dumping, please call (956) 546-HELP (4357). 

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