FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 9, 2016
Kevin Nix, Sr. Director of Communications | (202) 431-5796 | knix@legacycommunityhealth.org

Legacy Community Health Re-Issues Travel Advisory for Pregnant Patients in Houston

HOUSTON – Following the recent death of a Harris County infant due to Zika-related complications, Legacy Community Health, the region’s largest community health center, is re-issuing a travel advisory to its pregnant patients or those considering pregnancy. The infant’s mother traveled to Latin America where health officials believe she got infected with the virus.

“Today’s news is heartbreaking and a reminder that if you are pregnant, or considering pregnancy, don’t travel to the more than 40 Central and South American countries where Zika is spreading,” said Dr. Ann Barnes, Legacy’s chief medical officer. “Prevention is our main message. That means postponing travel to affected regions and wearing insect repellant and condoms.”

The health center, which has seen four of its patients test positive for the virus, is providing Zika Prevention Packs that include insect repellant and condoms free of charge to its pregnant patients.

All 97 cases of the virus in Texas are travel-related. None so far involve local transmission.

Legacy Community Health, a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center, provides comprehensive care to over 85,000 community members regardless of their ability to pay. The agency, a United Way of Greater Houston agency, provides adult primary care, HIV/AIDS care, pediatrics, OB/GYN and maternity, dental, vision and behavioral health.

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