1st Baby With Zika Virus-Related Defect Born In Florida

The Florida Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed the state’s first Zika-related case of microcephaly.

According to the state agency, the mother of the baby born in Florida with the Zika virus-related defect is a citizen of Haiti. She traveled to Florida to deliver the child.

As of Monday, the state of Florida had recorded 223 confirmed Zika virus cases. All of the cases are travel-related with 40 connected to pregnant woman.

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.

“Babies with the defect often have a range of problems including developmental delay, intellectual disability, problems with movement and balance, hearing loss and vision problems,” the Florida Department of Health said in an email to media.

Zika is a mosquito-borne illness that is characterized by a fever, rash and joint pain. 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.

The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika-affected areas.

Confirmed Zika virus cases have been reported in a number of counties across the state. In the Tampa Bay area, Pinellas County has six confirmed cases, Hillsborough five, Polk four and Pasco two. No cases have been reported in Sarasota or Manatee counties to date.

See also:

• Zika Virus: ‘We Can’t Protect Women and Children,’ CDC Chief Says

The state warns that mosquitoes can breed in an area as little as a teaspoon or bottle cap of water.

“So, one of the most effective control measures for mosquitoes is draining all sources of standing water around your home or business at least weekly,” Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambineri said. "This includes garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, flower pots, toys and anywhere rain or sparkler water has collected.”

The state also recommends residents throw out old tires, drums and other items on their properties that can hold water. Bird baths should be emptied at least once or twice a week, and so should pet water bowls. Broken screens should also be repaired.

“If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up your skin by wearing long pants, long sleeves, shoes and socks,” Gambineri said. “Residents should also apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.”

The state recommends repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535, among others.

“Always follow the instructions on the label when using repellents,” Gambineri reminded. “Parents should make sure to protect kids as they head outdoors to play this summer by covering their skin with long clothing and using a suitable repellent.”

To help residents resolve questions about the virus and its spread, the state has set up a Zika Virus Information Hotline at 1-855-622-6735. The hotline has fielded more than 2,138 calls since it was launched Feb. 12, the state reported.

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