Florida Zika Virus Cases Climb To 50

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The total number of confirmed Zika virus cases in Florida has reached 50.

State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong confirmed two new cases on Monday. One of the new cases involves a Miami-Dade resident and the other lives in Broward County. All of the cases are travel-related Armstrong said, meaning residents contracted the virus while visiting other countries.

Hillsborough County is the only county in the Tampa Bay area with confirmed Zika virus cases. The total number confirmed in Hillsborough stands at three.

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As of Monday, 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 919 calls since it was launched Feb. 12, the state reported.

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