Report: Zika virus has spread to Miami Beach

Zika transmission zone in Miami Beach to be announced

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The Zika virus has reportedly jumped from mainland Miami-Dade County to Miami Beach.

Miami Beach officials told Local 10 News that the two new Zika related cases are being investigated.  The Health department investigation will include looking into the sexual history of the infected people. 

Meanwhile, Miami Beach has increased efforts to prevent the spread of Zika. 

The Miami Herald reports that a new Zika transmission has been identified in Miami Beach and that officials will detail a new transmission zone within the city.

The report added that Miami Beach officials and code compliance officers were already at work inspecting for mosquito breeding sites.

According to the New York Times, a "cluster of Zika cases" were likely contracted in the area.

Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales tweeted out that the city's strategy "has been & will continue to be focusing on elimination of potential breeding sites, educating residents, visitors & businesses."

Morales said the city is working with Miami-Dade County and they are inspecting Miami Beach as necessary.

Up until now, the only specified zone in the U.S. was in the Wynwood neighborhood north of downtown Miami.

However, non-travel related transmissions of Zika have been identified outside Wynwood.

The Florida Department of Health confirmed Thursday that two additional people have contracted the virus locally in Miami-Dade County, bringing the number of local transmissions of the Zika virus in Florida to 35.

The DOH is investigating eight areas in Miami-Dade County and one area in Palm Beach County, where local transmissions of Zika might have occurred.

Health officials did not specify the areas in the two counties that they are investigating.

The Herald said the DOH  has not responded to their request for comment.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.