Zika Case Confirmed In Manatee County; No Evidence of Ongoing Risk In Area: Health Department

BRADENTON, FL - A locally transmitted case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in Manatee County, but state Health Department officials say there is no evidence of ongoing transmission of Zika in the area. The isolated case does not constitute a Zika zone, an area at risk for spread of the virus, according to a health department media release.

Health officials said a couple traveled to Cuba and one of the travelers contracted Zika. That person became ill with symptoms consistent with Zika shortly after travel. Based on a department investigation, evidence suggests the traveler acquired Zika while in Cuba, was bitten by a mosquito in or around their home, and that mosquito then bit and transmitted Zika to the other partner.

Watch: Zika Case Confirmed In Manatee County; No Evidence of Ongoing Risk In Area

The partner that acquired Zika in Cuba was not tested for Zika while having symptoms, the media release said. A test conducted this week showed evidence of a past Zika infection linking that infection to the partner who was recently tested positive.

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The Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The department reports 187 Zika cases in Florida this year with 154 of those cases travel related.

Health officials remind residents and health care providers to consider a Zika test if symptoms are consistent with the virus.

Health officials say it is important to remember Zika can also be transmitted sexually and to take precautions if you or your partner traveled to an area where Zika is active.

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