2 New Zika Virus Cases Confirmed In Tampa Bay Area

POLK COUNTY, FL — The total number of Zika virus cases reported in Florida climbed to 1,286 Wednesday. That number includes two new travel-related cases in Polk County.

According to the Florida Department of Health, authorities have also confirmed a new travel-related case in Palm Beach County. In addition, the state confirmed three new locally acquired cases in Miami-Dade County on Wednesday. Just where those people acquired the virus is under investigation, the state said.

“Florida still does not have any identified areas with active Zika transmission,” the agency reported in its daily Zika Virus Update Wednesday.

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. 28, the state’s tally of confirmed infections is as follows:

• Travel-related infections – 1,011
• Locally acquired infections – 256
• Undetermined – 19

Those numbers include 208 pregnant women from across the state.

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

• Hernando – 4
• Hillsborough – 40
• Manatee – 5
• Pasco – 9
• Pinellas – 20
• Polk – 31
• 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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