Health experts: 5 things to know about Zika threat in Tarrant County

Florida currently has 29 active cases of Zika transmission, and hundreds more have been infected while traveling to other countries.

Here in Texas, the first Zika-related death was recently reported.

Our Department of State Health Services says that transmission of the virus in Texas is “likely.”

Even with Zika making headlines across the country, a recent poll shows people know alarmingly little about the virus.

For example, less than half of Americans know that Zika can be transmitted sexually.

Preventing transmission begins with clear information about this growing health threat.

Here are five important facts Tarrant County residents should understand about the Zika virus:

▪ People who live in the continental United States are contracting Zika.

There have been nearly 2,500 travel, mosquito and sexually transmitted cases confirmed in the continental U.S., including at least 125 in Texas.

There is no treatment or vaccine for Zika, and experts anticipate active Zika will grow in the coming months.

▪ The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention anticipates that Texas is at a high risk for Zika.

The best ways to prevent transmission are protected sex and avoiding mosquito bites.

Condom and dental dam use are recommended for any sexual contact.

To avoid mosquito bites, keep windows and doors closed, stay in air-conditioned or screened rooms or use mosquito netting.

Wear long sleeves and pants while you’re outside, and use effective mosquito repellent.

Healthcare providers can help you determine whether or not you should seek testing for the disease.

You may be at increased risk if you have traveled to countries experiencing high Zika transmission or have recently had unprotected sex (without a condom or dental dam) with someone who has traveled to an area with active Zika.

▪ Even though most individuals with the Zika virus will not have any symptoms or long-lasting effects, we know that it poses serious risks for pregnant women.

When a fetus is exposed to the virus during pregnancy, Zika can cause microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

It is also associated with impaired fetal growth, hearing loss in infants and other complications for pregnant women, including miscarriage.

▪ There is no way to know in advance whether Zika will harm a pregnancy.

Family planning, including contraception and health education, is the primary strategy recommended by the CDC to reduce Zika-related pregnancy complications.

Birth control methods are not one-size-fits-all. Different methods have different rates of effectiveness, risks, side effects and cost.

Your reproductive healthcare provider can discuss the best family planning options for your needs.

This story was originally published August 26, 2016 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Health experts: 5 things to know about Zika threat in Tarrant County."