Florida Confirms First Cases of Zika Caught From Local Mosquitoes

Florida‘s Department of Health announced Friday that four people infected with the Zika virus probably caught it from local mosquitoes.

One woman and three men were infected with the Zika virus in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Florida’s Department of Health believes that the transmissions of the Zika virus are occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County. This is the only area where the department is testing for local transmissions of Zika.

Florida had its first travel-related case of Zika in February, and the Department of Health started investigating the possible non-travel related cases of Zika in Miami-Dade and Broward counties last week. Florida Governor Rick Scott has directed the Department of Health to contract pest control companies to control mosquitoes in the area.

“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 in a statement.

Scott also said that Florida plans to put every resource available to fight the spread of Zika in Florida, and he says people in Florida should take precautions by eliminating standing water and wearing insect repellant. Scott also urges expecting mothers to contact their doctors for guidance and to acquire a Zika Prevention kit.