Florida has confirmed 10 new locally acquired Zika virus cases, bringing the state’s total of non-travel-related cases to 14.
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Of the 10 new Zika cases, six people did not have symptoms, but were identified after officials went door-to-door to collect and test urine samples from residents in the area. The CDC is also urging that pregnant women and their partners who live in or have traveled to this area use condoms to prevent the spread of the virus.
The state health department has been testing individuals in three locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties for possible local transmissions through mosquito bites.
Anastasia Mosquito Control experts told News4Jax that they believe Zika could make its way to Northeast Florida, but not because of mosquitoes traveling north.
At least 14 people have been infected in the first locally transmitted Zika outbreak in the continental United States.
He said more infections are likely, because four out of five people with Zika don’t have symptoms.
This includes using an insect repellent with DEET, wearing long trousers and long sleeves, staying indoors with air conditioning or window screens, and eliminating all standing water in and outside of homes where mosquitoes could breed.
“We will continue to look at this data every single day including additional testing if that changes we will adjust the warning”, he said.
The ongoing Zika outbreak was first detected previous year in Brazil, where it has been linked to more than 1,700 cases of the birth defect microcephaly.
“If someone does have a concern we need to get those to the health officials not the tourism people”, Haley said.
Many walking the streets recently were unaware the virus had spread and confused about how the disease is transmitted.
“I think for now we need to be cautious, and I’m not sure in good faith could recommend a pregnant woman travel to that area of Florida right now”, Silverman says.
“We apply the same criteria within and outside of the United States, and are working closely with the State of Florida and Miami health departments to provide preventive services, including mosquito control”.
Mosquito control is, for now, the primary weapon to controlling the spread of the disease, as well as other mosquito-spread infections.
Your summer vacation plans could be at risk, especially if you’re a woman and pregnant.
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The travel warning covers an area of about one square mile in Wynwood to the east of Interstate 95 and south of I-195.
