Mosquito-borne diseases, like Zika, were once only a concern to those who live in or travel to tropical regions, but now they are posing a challenge on domestic soil. Texas climate provides an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying these diseases, and with the warm months and recent thunderstorms across the state, mosquito season has officially arrived.



In response to this challenge, Texas A&M Healthy South Texas hosted the second annual Tropical and Infectious Disease Conference on June 3-4 in Corpus Christi to provide physicians and other health professionals with the knowledge to identify and treat tropical diseases that are making their way to South Texas. Nationally acclaimed infectious disease specialists shared their expertise with health care professionals from across the state at this two-day conference.

Zika has been diagnosed more than 450 times in the United States. And with first case of locally acquired Chikungunya confirmed out of Brownsville this week, health care providers believe Zika could be the next mosquito-borne virus to hit the area.

Until that happens, focus remains on preventing illness in the returning traveler. It's estimated that 15 to 37 percent of short-term travelers experience a health problem during an international trip, and up to 11 percent return with a febrile illness, which is a fever with no known origin.
Learn more about Texas A&M Healthy South Texas' conference here


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