The Florida Department of Health released the following on Friday morning saying they have gathered enough information as part of its ongoing investigation into non-travel related cases of Zika in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to conclude that a high likelihood exists that four cases are the result of local transmission.
Image/David Benbennick
At this time, the department believes that active transmission of the Zika virus is occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown. The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20th Street to the south. This area is about 1 square mile and a map is below to detail the area.
While no mosquitoes trapped tested positive for the Zika virus, the department believes these cases were likely transmitted through infected mosquitoes in this area.
The department is actively conducting door-to-door outreach and urine sample collection in the impacted area and will share more details as they become available. The results from these efforts will help department determine the number of people affected. These local cases were identified by clinicians who brought them to the attention of the department. In addition, blood banks in the area are currently excluding donations from impacted areas until screening protocols are in place.
In addition, three new travel-related cases were reported today in Miami-Dade County, bringing that total to 99.
Related:
- Antibodies identified that thwart Zika virus infection
- Zika testing of blood in South Florida requested by FDA
- Aedes aegypti mosquitoes detected in Altus, Oklahoma
I believe in you.