Dallas County hopes to hire more staff to combat Zika virus

DALLAS - Dallas County’s health department is now testing people who think they may have been exposed to the mosquito-borne Zika virus.

Tuesday morning Dallas County commissioners will get an update on efforts to prevent the spread of the disease, which is linked to birth defects. Local health officials want approval to hire a microbiologist and three new mosquito technicians.

Three cases have been confirmed in the county. Most recently, a person in the county contracted it while traveling to Honduras.

Also Thursday night infectious disease specialists and OBGYN doctors will be available to answer residents’ questions about the Zika virus.

The meeting will be held at Methodist Richardson Medical Center from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The medical experts will talk about precautions, travel warnings and questions for doctors.