Florida Zika Virus Update: Epidemiologist Requested To Investigate Possible Non-Travel-Related Case

TAMPA BAY, FL – The Florida Department of Health has released the latest county-by-county count of travel-related Zika virus cases, and also said an epidemiological investigation into a possible non-travel related case of Zika virus in Broward County is underway.

The investigation into the possible case in Miami-Dade County is ongoing, and the department is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At the direction of Governor Rick Scott, State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip has requested that the CDC sends an epidemiologist to Florida to investigate the possible first non-travel related Zika infection, the agency said.

Residents and visitors are urged to participate in requests for blood and urine samples by the department in the areas of investigation as these results help determine the number of people affected.

• Also see: Florida Blood Agency To Begin Screening For Zika Virus

The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites is through practicing good drain and cover methods:

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, 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. EPA-approved repellent is safe for pregnant women to use.
• 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.

For more information on Zika virus, click here.

There are seven new travel-related cases today, with three in Miami-Dade, one in Palm Beach and three involving pregnant women. According to CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to 10 days.

CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika-affected areas.

According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika-affected area for the virus. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds.

Florida has been monitoring pregnant women with evidence of Zika regardless of symptoms since January. The total number of pregnant women who have been monitored is 46, with 15 having met the previous CDC case definition.

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and CDC released a new case definition for Zika that now includes reporting both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of Zika. Prior to this change, states reported only symptomatic non-pregnant cases and pregnant cases regardless of symptoms. This change comes as a result of increased availability for testing in commercial laboratories.

Latest County-by-County Number of Cases (all travel-related)

• Alachua - 5
• Brevard - 6
• Broward - 50
• Charlotte - 1
• Citrus - 2
• Clay - 3
• Collier - 4
• Duval - 6
• Escambia - 1
• Highlands - 1
• Hillsborough - 7
• Lake - 1
• Lee - 6
• Manatee - 1
• Martin - 1
• Miami-Dade - 92
• Okaloosa - 1
• Orange - 33
• Osceola - 15
• Palm Beach - 14
• Pasco - 5
  
• Pinellas - 7
• Polk - 10
• Santa Rosa - 1
• Seminole - 9
• St. Johns - 2
• St. Lucie - 1
• Volusia - 3

Total cases not involving pregnant women - 288

Cases involving pregnant women regardless of symptoms* - 46 *Counties of pregnant women will not be shared.

A Zika Virus Information Hotline for current Florida residents and visitors is 1-855-622-6735.

Federal Guidance on Zika:

• According to CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers have concluded that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other birth defects.

• The FDA released guidance regarding donor screening, deferral and product management to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmission of Zika virus. Additional information is available on the FDA website here.

• CDC has put out guidance related to the sexual transmission of the Zika virus. This includes CDC recommendation that if you have traveled to a country with local transmission of Zika you should abstain from unprotected sex.

Related: First Possible Zika Infection in Florida, Says Health Officials

-Shutterstock image/Information courtesy of the Florida Department of Health