BROWNSVILLE — Another travel-related case of the Zika virus has been reported in Cameron County, officials said.
The latest case — the third travel-related case reported in the county — involved a 52-year-old Los Fresnos woman. The woman had traveled to Veracruz for 10 days in July.
Health officials received confirmation last week that she had contracted the virus, said Esmeralda Guajardo, health administrator for the county’s Department of Health and Human Services.
The woman was not feeling well and went to her health provider for a checkup. Guajardo said. It was during this checkup that her provider determined she was experiencing symptoms of the Zika virus. A culture taken from the woman was sent out for further testing, and the results confirmed she had contracted the virus, Guajardo said.
The unidentified woman has since recovered from the virus.
“She’s fine already,” Guajardo said.
Guajardo said Rio Grande Valley residents should be prepared to see an increase in reported cases of Zika in the area since the Texas Department of Health Services is now offering free Zika testing for pregnant women.
The women will be provided free testing if they exhibit at least two of the following symptoms: conjunctivitis, joint pain, fever or rash.
The virus is primarily transmitted through an infected mosquito but also can be spread through sexual contact.
“We are going to have quite a few more test, and I imagine with more testing we are more than likely going to get more positive” results, Guajardo said.
