3 New Zika Virus Cases Confirmed In Florida

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida Department of Health confirmed three new cases of Zika virus on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in the state up to 35.

Two of the new cases were reported in Miami-Dade County and one in Orange County. The total number of cases statewide includes confirmation of the virus in three pregnant women. Those cases were reported by the state on Wednesday.

So far, all of Florida’s cases remain travel-related, which means residents contracted the virus while visiting other countries. Hillsborough County is the only one in Tampa Bay to have confirmed cases to date with three residents testing positive for the virus.

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As of Thursday, State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong said only four of the state’s confirmed patients are still exhibiting symptoms. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Zika virus symptoms last between seven and 10 days.

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.

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

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