Florida Zika Cases Surpass 900

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida’s total number of Zika virus cases climbed again Tuesday with the confirmation of several new cases. According to the Florida Department of Health, there are five new travel-related cases. Two of those cases were reported in Miami-Dade County with one each in Osceola and Clay counties. Another infection involving a pregnant woman was also confirmed.

The state also confirmed four new non-travel related cases in Miami-Dade County. An infection involving a non-Florida resident who contracted Zika while in Miami-Dade was also reported.

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 – 693
• Non-travel related – 109
• Infections involving pregnant women – 91
• Out of state cases – 11

In the Tampa Bay area, travel-related cases have been confirmed as follows, according to the state’s website:

• Hernando County – 4
• Hillsborough County – 23
• Manatee County – 4
• Pasco County – 8
• Pinellas County – 16
• Polk County – 24
• Sarasota County – 3

Pinellas County has also had one non-travel related case confirmed by DOH.

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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