Florida Zika Virus Cases Holding Steady At 94

TALLAHASEE, FL — The number of confirmed Zika virus cases in the state of Florida has been holding steady since Monday when the total count climbed to 94.

According to the Florida Department of Health, all 94 confirmed cases, including five involving pregnant women, are travel related. That means those who have contracted the virus did so while traveling outside the country. The Tampa Bay area has experienced a total of six confirmed cases to date – three in Hillsborough County and three in Polk.

Of the confirmed cases so far, FDOH reports that only two people are still showing symptoms of the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says symptoms of Zika tend to last between seven to 10 days. The CDC has confirmed that the 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.

See Also:

• Zika Virus Causes Severe Brain Defects, CDC Confirms
• Zika Virus Confirmed In 3 Pregnant Floridians
• Zika Virus Information Floridians Need To Know

Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. According to the state, only about one out of five people infected with Zika are symptomatic. While the illness typically resolves within a week, some severe cases may require hospitalization.

Aside from mosquitoes, Zika can be spread through sexual contact in some cases, the CDC notes. One of the confirmed cases in Polk County originated through sexual contact, the state of Florida reported. The patient in the case contracted the virus while traveling outside of the country.

While Florida’s cases to date have originated through foreign travel, the state urges residents and visitors to protect themselves from mosquitoes.

To help residents resolve questions about the virus and its spread, the state has set up a Zika Virus Information Hotline. That number is 1-855-622-6735. The hotline has fielded more than 1,550 calls since it was launched Feb. 12, the state reported.

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