Florida Department of Health confirms new Zika zone in Miami

Governor says 5 people locally acquired Zika virus within new area

MIAMI – The Florida Department of Health confirmed Thursday a new local transmission area of the Zika virus in Miami.

A small area of Miami, from Northwest 79th Street to Northwest 63rd Street and Northwest 10th Avenue to North Miami Avenue, has been designated a Zika zone.

Gov. Rick Scott said health officials identified five people who contracted the Zika virus locally. He said three people live within the zone, and another two either work there or have visited the area.

A small area in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood was the first Zika zone in the state, but the governor announced last month that the area was free of the Zika virus.

Scott said health officials have evidence to show that the Zika virus is only actively being transmitted in a small area of Miami Beach and in the new area.

"Today's announcement of a new area in Miami of ongoing local transmission of the Zika virus underscores the urgent need for federal funding to combat the Zika virus," Scott said in a statement. "It has been two weeks since federal funding to fight Zika was approved by Congress and signed by President (Barack) Obama. However, Florida has not yet received a dime. We don't need bureaucratic timelines. We need funding now."

Scott said Miami-Dade County remains the only area in the state with ongoing active transmissions. The governor has allocated $61.2 million in state funds to battle the Zika virus, including $12.6 million to Miami-Dade County.


About the Author:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.