Zika

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has been investigating four non-travel related cases of Zika in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and has concluded that a high likelihood exists that the four cases are the result of local transmission. At this time, evidence indicates local transmission is occurring within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, U.S. 1 East, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20th Street to the south in Miami-Dade County. Florida’s small case cluster is not considered widespread transmission. There are currently 386 travel-associated cases of Zika virus in Florida (7/22/2016), with some of the cases being sexually transmitted from a traveler. 55 of these cases involve pregnant women.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, the type of mosquito that spreads the Zika virus, is present in Florida and throughout the southern United States.

We know from our experience with dengue virus and chikungunya virus, which are spread by the same mosquito, that travelers who come back infected can infect local mosquito populations.

With what we know from dengue and chikungunya, it is very unlikely we will have large outbreaks of Zika fever in the United States. One major reason for this is that we have better housing with air conditioning and intact screens that protect us from being bitten by mosquitoes in our homes.

When locally acquired mosquito-borne illness is present, the DOH works closely with mosquito control to stop further transmission of the virus of concern. Mosquito control and the health department jointly provide public education whenever possible as well since it is very important that all residents cooperate and drain containers on their property at least weekly to help successfully control this mosquito. We would follow the same protocol for an outbreak of Zika virus.

Please see our webpage with a variety of resources for public and health care community: FloridaHealth.gov

Only about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus are symptomatic. Zika fever is a mild illness. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.

Signs and symptoms of Zika virus may include: acute onset of low-grade fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis (reddening of eye), body aches, headache, eye pain, and vomiting.

There is no need to quarantine people infected with Zika virus. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they develop symptoms or become sick. Isolation is used to separate sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. All should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites (Drain and Cover). Use EPA approved mosquito repellant, wear comfortable clothing that covers skin, keep doors and windows covered with screens to keep mosquitoes outside, and drain standing water around homes and businesses to significantly reduce mosquito populations of concern.

The Ministry of Health of Brazil has reported an increase in the numbers of newborns with microcephaly as well as other poor pregnancy outcomes in areas experiencing Zika virus outbreaks.

Research is being conducted to further characterize the relationship between Zika virus and poor pregnancy outcomes. More studies are planned to learn more about the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. There are many causes of microcephaly in babies, including genetic abnormalities.

The DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions.

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

• Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and Clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent

• Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

• Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

If you feel that you might have Zika fever, please visit your health care provider. A health care provider will determine if the patient is exhibiting symptoms of Zika virus and discuss the patient’s travel history.

Travelers returning home from areas with active Zika virus transmission should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes for three weeks following travel, especially while ill, to prevent infection of local mosquitoes. Women who were traveling in areas where Zika virus was active during their pregnancy should consult with their obstetrician.

Yes, traveling to Florida is safe. Florida’s small case cluster is not considered widespread transmission. Travelers to Florida should always take precautions to protect against mosquito bites (such as repellents) and sun burns (sun screen, sun glasses).

In Florida, many counties and cities have mosquito control services. Please contact your county or city government offices to find out if these services are available in your area.

The mosquitoes that spread Zika breed in small containers so you can also limit your risk by making sure to dump all sources of standing water in bird baths, flower pots, etc. on your property at least weekly.

There are still a number of things to learn about the Zika virus. One of the unknowns is whether the virus can be spread via saliva. Science to date suggests saliva is not a very important transmission route, although it is too early to say whether the virus never is transmitted through saliva.