Four confirmed cases of Zika may not have come from traveling abroad, the Florida Department of Health announced today.
According to Florida Governor Rick Scott, the DOH believes the transmissions are coming from a one square mile area in Miami, just north of downtown. Officials are currently testing the area to determine if there are local transmissions of the virus. It’s the only area in Florida currently being tested.
“While no mosquitoes have tested positive for the Zika virus, DOH is aggressively testing people in this area to ensure there are no other cases,” Scott said. “If you live in this area and want to be tested, I urge you to contact the county health department which stands ready to assist you.”
In response, the Governor will provide $620,000 to the primary blood bank in the area, OneBlood, to create appropriate blood screening. Florida’s DOH will work with the FDA and the blood establishments in the area to test each unit of collected blood. DOH will also screen blood units from counties without Zika.
The counties will also receive $1.28 million in state funds through December and will work with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to issue a Mosquito Declaration, along with other state educational programs to ensure the population has the necessary tools to stop the spread of the disease.
On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration asked blood donation centers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to stop collecting blood - for the time being. Furthermore, the FDA suggested adjacent and nearby counties should exhibit precautionary measures, as well.
“We’re dedicated to protecting Floridians and visitors from Zika and will continue to support mosquito control programs throughout Florida with their surveillance and control efforts,” Florida Surgeon General Celeste Philip, MD said in a statement.
Philip urged residents to drain standing water around their homes, which can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos.
So far, there have been 328 people infected with the mosquito-borne virus. Up until now, all confirmed cases of transmitted Zika were linked to those traveling to Latin America and Caribbean countries.
Twitter: @JessieFDavis
Email the writer: jessica.davis@himssmedia.com
