Add the Lone Star State to the list of areas that could be facing the threat of Zika virus transmission in this country.

While it hasn’t happened yet, health officials in Texas are worried it may, given the conditions for it — while also saying they’re “ready” to fight this battle.

Related: Zika Vaccine Trial: Too Little, Too Late?

“It’s the perfect mix – local transmission in Florida, travel to Brazil, and we’re at the height of mosquito season in Texas,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, Texas Department of State Health Services commissioner, in a statement. “Local transmission here is likely at some point. The good news is that Texas is ready.”

Joon Lee, an associate professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, has been trapping and testing mosquitoes for the West Nile virus in Tarrant County in Texas, as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. He expressed concerns Zika could be transmitted in Texas.

“It is more difficult to control Zika transmission than before,” Lee told the Star-Telegram. “Texas is one of the states where the virus could spread well if the virus or Zika-infected mosquitoes were introduced.”

The only local transmission in the continental U.S. thus far has been reported in Miami.

[lz_jwplayer video=”pudlitGY” ads=”true”]

Texas has reported 93 cases of Zika virus disease to date. State efforts have been underway since January to delay and minimize the impact of Zika on Texas, the Star-Telegram also reported.

Zika can cause microcephaly, a birth defect affecting the brain of infants if their mother contracted Zika during her pregnancy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised pregnant mothers to avoid travel to South Florida.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Zika can be carried by the Aedes mosquito — which bites during the daytime.