Tallahassee, Fla. – Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong announced Monday that there are now 16 confirmed Zika virus cases in the state of Florida.
Armstrong said all cases are travel-related and none involve pregnant women.
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Although the virus has not been contracted locally, Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. He said just a couple of drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
People are also urged to wear bug repellent when outdoors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Zika virus typically causes a mild rash, fever and joint pain. Only one in five people infected with the virus are symptomatic.
CDC researchers are also investigating a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies during pregnancy after the Ministry of Health of Brazil reported an increase in the numbers of newborns with microcephaly in areas experiencing the Zika virus outbreaks.
Below is a list of counties with patients who have contracted the Zika virus in other countries.
- Broward County, 2 cases
- Hillsborough County, 3 cases
- Lee County, 2 cases
- Miami-Dade County, 6 cases
- Osceola County, 1 case
- Santa Rosa County, 1 case
- St. Johns County, 1 case
Click here to learn more about the Zika virus.
