Florida Zika Cases Edge Closer to 1,000; 2 New Tampa Bay Infections Confirmed

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The total number of confirmed Zika virus cases in Florida rose to 980 on Tuesday with the confirmation of six new travel-related cases and six new non-travel related cases. The Tampa Bay area’s tally rose by two Oct. 4, as well.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the new travel-related cases include one person each in Hillsborough and Sarasota counties. Four new travel-related cases involving pregnant women were also confirmed on Tuesday.

The non-travel related cases originated in South Florida. Two cases involved exposure in the Miami Beach area. The other four cases involve residents of Miami-Dade County, FDOH said. Where exposure occurred in the latter four cases remains under investigation.

Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that presents with a fever, joint pain and rash. The illness typically goes away within a week, but some cases may require hospitalization. Zika may also be spread through sexual contact, health officials say.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that the Zika virus is responsible for causing severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.

As of Tuesday, the state’s tally of confirmed infections is as follows:

• Travel-related infections – 718
• Non-travel related infections – 139
• Infections involving pregnant woman – 103
• Out of state cases – 16
• Undetermined cases – 4

News of the six new non-travel related cases came just before the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced another mosquito in the Miami Beach area has tested positive for the Zika virus. The mosquito was pulled from an area where six others have previously tested positive.

To view a county-by-county breakdown of the total number of travel-related cases (not including pregnant women) visit the state’s website.

To help residents resolve questions about the virus and its spread, the state of Florida has set up a Zika Virus Information Hotline at 1-855-622-6735. More information may also be found on the DOH website.

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