ICYMI: Zika Virus Information Floridians Need To Know

TAMPA, FL — As the spread of the Zika virus continues to make headlines across the country, Florida hasn’t escaped its grasp entirely.

The Florida Department of Health announced this week that it had recently reported a total of 14 travel-related cases to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All of the cases are believed to have been contracted outside of the United States. Three of the cases involve Hillsborough County residents.

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, the CDC says, a potentially life-threatening birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected.

See Also:

• 6 More Cases Of Zika Virus Reported In Florida
• First Zika Case Transmitted In U.S. Reported In Texas

Aside from mosquitoes, Zika can be spread through sexual contact in some cases, the CDC notes. The first case of Zika virus transmitted in the United States was reported in Texas this week.

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

“We encourage Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions included in ‘drain and cover,’” Brad Dalton, DOH deputy press secretary, told Patch.

The recommendations for “drain and cover” are as follows:

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent

• CLOTHING - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

To date, the CDC has issued Zika virus-related travel notices for such areas as the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Puerto Rico and South America.

To learn more about the Zika virus, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

Image via Shutterstock