DALLAS, TX -- The Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) says the first case of the Zika virus that was transmitted by sexual contact in Dallas County in 2016 has been confirmed by the CDC.
The patient was infected with the virus after having sexual contact with an ill individual who returned from a country where Zika virus is present. "Now that we know Zika virus can be transmitted through sex, this increases our awareness campaign in educating the public about protecting themselves and others," said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director. "Next to abstinence, condoms are the best prevention method against any sexually-transmitted infections."
Zika virus is transmitted to people by mosquitos and through sexual activity. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week.
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Zika symptoms diagnosis and treatment from the CDC
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