Locally Transmitted Zika Virus in Pinellas Confirmed

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — The first locally acquired case of Zika virus in Pinellas County has been confirmed by the state of Florida.

The case was announced by Gov. Rick Scott Tuesday morning along with four other new locally transmitted cases in Miami-Dade County. State officials do not believe that active transmission of the virus is taking place in Pinellas County. Even so, they've begun "door-to-door outreach and sampling in Pinellas County," a statement from the governor's office said.

“In Pinellas County, the Department of Health and Pinellas County Mosquito Control are already working together and have begun aggressive spraying and mosquito abatement efforts," Scott said. "Any pregnant woman who would like to receive a free Zika test or a Zika prevention kit should contact the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County."

See also: Zika in Pinellas County: What You Need to Know

The Florida Department of Health still believes active transmission is only taking place in the Wynwood and Miami Beach areas of Miami-Dade County, the statement noted.

As of Monday afternoon, the state had confirmed 494 travel-related Zika virus infections; 37 infections that were locally transmitted and 69 infections involving pregnant women.

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.

The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant postpone travel to areas where there is widespread Zika infection.

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

This is a developing story. Refresh the page for updates as they become available.

Image via Shutterstock/Map courtesy of the Florida Department of Health