By Morgan Montalvo
WOAI News
Texas doctors and public health experts fear that a mild winter, recent rain and fast-climbing temperatures will deliver massive swarms of mosquitoes this year, and with them an increased risk of Zika virus.
Dr. David Lakey, former Texas health commissioner, tells News Radio 1200 WOAI a recent online town hall allowed physicians and health workers an opportunity to brainstorm anti-Zika strategies, as well as project the numbers of unborn children who might be infected with the mosquito-borne virus.
While Zika causes flu- and dengue fever-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, aches and nausea in adults, it can also cause a range of birth defects in unborn children, including smaller-than-normal head size, as well as vision and hearing problems.
Lakey says the public can help fight Zika by emptying standing water from old tires, discarded food and beverage containers, and other places mosquitoes can use to lay their eggs. He also urges people to avoid sexual contact with partners who have visited places where Zika is prevalent, such as Mexico and most of Latin America.
Currently there is no anti-Zika vaccine. Texas so far has reported about 180 Zika infections, Lakey said.
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