After reports of six additional travel-associated Zika virus Tuesday in the Sunshine State, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed an executive order which directs State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in the four counties (Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa) which have the Zika virus.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Today I am directing Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in the four counties that have individuals with the Zika virus. Although Florida’s current nine Zika cases were travel-related, we have to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of the Zika virus in our state. Our Department of Health will continue to be in constant communication with all county health offices, hospitals and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best.”
As noted above, Nine cases of Zika fever have been reported in individuals with travel history to a country or area experiencing Zika virus activity. Countries of origin include Colombia (2), El Salvador, Haiti (3), and Venezuela (3). Counties reporting cases include: Hillsborough (2), Lee (2), Miami-Dade (4), and Santa Rosa.
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