Health emergency also declared in Broward County amid Zika virus concerns

3 new cases of Zika virus reported, including 1 in Broward County

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Broward County has been added to the list of Florida counties where a health emergency has been declared after a new case of the Zika virus was discovered there, Gov. Rick Scott said Thursday in Tampa.

Scott said there are three new cases of the Zika virus in Florida, one of which was in Broward County. That brings the number of total cases to 12.

The governor declared a health emergency Wednesday in Miami-Dade, Lee, Hillsborough and Santa Rosa counties. Health officials believe all of the cases stem from people who contracted the disease while traveling to affected countries.

Scott said he has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide at least 1,000 Zika virus testing kits to Florida. He said the state only has enough to test 475 people.

"We're going to do everything we can to stay ahead of the Zika virus," Scott said.

The Zika virus is linked to brain deformities in babies and is causing concern among public health officials worldwide. The virus is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but investigators have been exploring the possibility it could be sexually transmitted.