The Florida health officials are investigating the possible case of Zika that could be the first Zika infection from a mosquito bite in the continental United States.
The case involves a resident of the Miami area. According to the statements from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida’s Department of Health, the Lab tests confirmed the Zika infection.
Over 1,300 Zika infections have been found in the United States, none involving bites from local mosquitoes. 14 of these were sexually transmitted and one lab worker was stuck with a contaminated needle.
The health department said in a statement that, "Today the Florida Department of Health announced that it is conducting an investigation into a possible non-travel related case of Zika virus in Miami-Dade County."
"The department is actively conducting an epidemiological investigation, is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and will share additional details as they become available."
"At this time, state and local officials in Florida are leading the investigation, and CDC is closely coordinating with Florida officials. To date, Florida public health officials have confirmed Zika infection through laboratory testing; upon request, CDC will conduct additional laboratory testing," the agency said in a statement.
"CDC has been working with state, local, and territorial health officials to prepare for the possibility of locally acquired Zika infection in the United States," the CDC said.
"To date, CDC has provided Florida more than $2 million in Zika-specific funding and about $27 million in emergency preparedness funding that can be used toward Zika response efforts. "
“We’re constantly in the area. We’re doing hand-held spraying, and we’ll do more truck spraying,” said Gayle Love, a spokeswoman for Miami-Dade County Solid Waste Management.
The Florida health department said that, "Zika kits are intended for pregnant women." "Mosquito control has already conducted reduction and prevention activities in the area of investigation. Residents and visitors are reminded that the best way to protect themselves is to prevent mosquito bites through practicing good drain and cover methods," it said.
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