Sexually Transmitted Zika Case Confirmed In Pinellas County

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus in 2017. The confirmed case involves a person in Pinellas County. While the virus is most commonly associated with mosquito bites, the state says the person infected had relations with a partner who recently traveled to Cuba.

“There is no evidence of transmission through mosquitoes taking place anywhere in Florida,” FDOH stressed in making the Aug. 1 announcement. The agency said the Pinellas resident’s partner was ill with symptoms that were consistent with Zika after traveling outside the country. “Both tested positive for Zika.” As is protocol, FDOH has not revealed where in Pinellas County the person resides.

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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 reports that Cuba is one of the countries where active transmission of the Zika virus has been evidenced in the mosquito populations. The agency recommends people who travel to Cuba take "enhanced precautions" to protect themselves for bites. More information about the CDC's warning for travelers to Cuba can be found on the agency's website.

After confirming the sexually transmitted case in Pinellas County, FDOH said it “notified mosquito control and appropriate mosquito reduction activities are taking place.”

So far in 2017, there have been 118 Zika cases reported in Florida. A total of 90 of those cases have been linked to travel outside the state. Six locally acquired infections involving people exposed in 2016 have also been confirmed. Twenty-two people exposed in 2016 by undetermined source have also tested positive for Zika this year. A total of 81 pregnant woman have also displayed evidence of Zika in laboratory testing, the state reported. In 2016, the Florida’s total case count climbed to 1,456, FDOH records indicate.

More information about Zika may be found on the DOH website.

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