Experts: Mosquito-Borne Zika Virus May Reach Texas By Spring

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NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – A new mosquito threat called the Zika virus is creeping toward Texas.

Last year it moved from Africa and Asia to Brazil where it affected more than a million people.

Now it has popped up in Puerto Rico and two Mexican cities.

Experts said the virus could reach Texas by spring.

Zika can cause fever and joint pain. Symptoms are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya and can include a slight fever, headache and pain in the hands and feet.

The virus is especially dangerous to babies. Scientists in Brazil have linked Zika infections to cases of babies being born with small heads, or microcephaly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now warning people traveling to Brazil and Puerto Rico to guard themselves against mosquito bites.

There are no known cases of infection by the Zika virus in the United States, though it has been seen in returning travelers.

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