The Florida Department of Health suggests local mosquitoes caused four cases of the Zika virus in the state recently, combating the theory that the virus can only be transmitted when outside of mainland United States.
Health officials traced the cases in question to a specific section of Miami-Dade County, though the virus was reported in individuals of Broward County as well. The department began testing mosquitoes in the area and have yet to find insects testing positive. Officials are also conducting urine tests and questioning citizens of the area. Plus. blood banks are taking measures by refusing to use donations from the area until further tests.
Florida Governor Rick Scott released a statement on the new cases, “Following today’s news, I directed the Department of Health to immediately begin contracting with commercial pest control companies to increase spraying and mosquito abatement efforts in the impacted area. Florida is an outdoors state with pristine beaches, award-winning state parks and world class fishing. We continue to welcome record visitors to Florida and will remind everyone in our state to take proper precautions and wear insect repellent.” He cautioned anyone feeling that they may have been exposed to the virus to contact the health department, and recommended that women pregnant or that could become pregnant receive the Zika Prevention kit from their OB/GYN. In addition, Florida Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip offered assistance, “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all people in Florida and a big part of that is being accessible. If you have questions, please call the Zika hotline at 1-855-622-6735.”
While the department looks into cases relating to local transmission, they still advise against traveling to impacted areas outside the United States—especially when pregnant. New cases related to travel are still reported in Florida. Symptoms of Zika typically last 7-10 days and sometimes go unnoticed. The Florida Department of Health will update the public weekly on the progression of the virus and their research.
