Locally Transmitted Zika Case Reported In Miami-Dade

TALLAHASSEE, FL — State health officials have identified a single case of locally transmitted Zika in Miami-Dade County. Earlier this month officials identified a new case of sexually transmitted Zika in Miami-Dade County. That was only Florida's second sexually transmitted Zika case in 2017.

"Today the Florida Department of Health is announcing that a locally transmitted case of Zika has been confirmed in Miami-Dade County," officials said on Friday. "At this time there is no evidence of ongoing, active transmission of Zika. According to CDC guidance, this isolated case does not constitute a Zika zone."

Health officials said that the person who tested positive for Zika had no travel history to an area with ongoing, active transmission of Zika.

"They did not have a partner with recent travel to any such area as well," officials added. "It is therefore suspected that this case of Zika was transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito."

Health officials notified mosquito control of the suspected case and officials initiated "appropriate mosquito reduction activities" that will continue.

"If the department identifies any area where ongoing, active transmission of Zika is taking place, we will notify the public immediately," health officials said. "The department reminds residents and health care providers to consider a Zika test if symptoms are consistent with the virus infection."

State health officials also reminded Floridians that Zika can be transmitted sexually and urged all residents and visitors to take precautions if they or their partner traveled to an area where Zika is active.

Photo courtesy Florida International University