Florida Zika Virus Cases Near 40

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The total number of confirmed Zika virus cases in Florida has gone up once again.

On Friday, State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong reported two new confirmed cases. One case was reported in Broward County and the other in Miami-Dade. The total number of confirmed cases in Florida has now reached 37, including three pregnant women. Hillsborough County has had three confirmed cases so far.

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.

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It is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Several reports have linked Zika in mothers with microcephaly in infants. That condition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, is a potentially life-threatening birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected.

Aside from mosquitoes, Zika can be spread through sexual contact in some cases, the CDC notes.

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 769 calls since it was launched Feb. 12, the state reported.

Photo courtesy of the CDC/James Gathany