New Zika Virus Case Confirmed in Tampa Bay Area

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — The total number of Zika virus cases reported across Florida rose to 1,236 on Wednesday with the confirmation of three new travel-related infections and five locally acquired cases. One of the new travel-related cases involves a Hillsborough County resident.

According to the Florida Department of Health, new travel-related cases were also confirmed in Martin and Miami-Dade counties. All five locally acquired cases are related to Miami-Dade County, the agency said.

“All five cases had symptom on-set in September and October and they do not impact the lifting of Zika zones in Little River, North Miami Beach or Wynwood,” the agency wrote in a Wednesday email to media. “The department recently concluded the investigation process for these cases to rule out travel and classify the cases as locally acquired.”

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 Wednesday, Dec. 7, the state’s tally of confirmed infections is as follows:

• Travel-related infections – 972
• Non-travel related infections – 249
• Undetermined – 15

A total of 180 of the state’s reported 1,236 cases involve pregnant women.

The number of reported cases in Tampa Bay area counties as of Wednesday is as follows:

• Hernando – 4
• Hillsborough – 27
• Manatee – 5
• Pasco – 9
• Pinellas – 20
• Polk – 29
• Sarasota – 5

Pinellas County has also witnessed one non-travel related case.

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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