The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared Brownsville, Texas a Yellow Zone for Zika virus, meaning it is a cautionary area and all pregnant women are advised to avoid the area if possible. Last week, officials found 5 local cases of Zika virus in the city. As it is still warm enough for insects to be active, there is risk of contracting Zika. Women who live in the town should do everything they can to avoid mosquito bites, by wearing mosquito repellent and protective clothing.
The CDC also advises anyone living in an area with Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, particularly pregnant women and women planning on getting pregnant, to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Although so far Zika virus has only been seen transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, theoretically there is potential for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes to transmit it as well. If so, this would greatly increase areas affected by Zika virus.
-Anne Sommer
http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/zika-virus-outbreak/cdc-declares-texas-town-yellow-zika-virus-zone-n696156
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