Two Possible Locally Transmitted Zika Cases in Florida

Posted on July 22, 2016

There are two possible cases of the Zika virus in Florida that were not acquired from a person traveling to a country known to have the virus. These cases could both represent the first local-transmission of the virus in Florida and the U.S. It was anticipated that eventually mosquitoes in some parts of the U.S. would become carriers of the disease.

NBC News reports that Florida officials are still checking on the possibility the cases were acquired through sexual contact with a Zika-infected patient but that "neither appears to have." Experts are collecting mosquitoes for testing near the homes of the infected people.

The Florida Department of Health said in a statement, "Residents and visitors are urged to participate in requests for blood and urine samples by the department in the areas of investigation. These results will help the department determine the number of people affected."

The Miami Herald reports that no mosquitoes in Florida have tested positive for Zika so far. This does not necessarily mean mosquitoes aren't carrying Zika in the state as there are many mosquitoes and only a small percentage of them get tested.

Zika virus is a danger to pregnant women because it can severe birth defects including microcephaly. Zika can also cause fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain and conjunctivitis in children and adults. The CDC has an extensive Zika resource here.

HEALTH