08 Aug First Cases of US-Based Zika Infection Found in South Florida
Authorities have confirmed the first cases of mosquito-borne transmission of the Zika infection within U.S. borders. Florida Governor Rick Scott addressed the public after a Florida Department of Health investigation confirmed four suspected victims of Zika infection in Miami-Dade and Broward counties were, in fact, infected by in-state mosquito bites. “I would expect that Congress can do more to help us, as I’ve said all along,” Scott said. “The federal government needs to do their part. This is not just a Florida issue. This is a U.S. issue, it’s a national issue. We’re just at the front of it.”
All four cases of Zika infection are believed to have been contracted in a several-block radius of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, a bustling restaurant and entertainment area, in early July. Evidence points to at least two of the victims being infected at work sites in the area.
The CDC has stated “there may be additional cases of ‘homegrown’ Zika in the coming weeks.” With the risk of a potential Zika infection outbreak, the FDA has mandated that all blood donation centers in Miami-Dade, Broward and the surrounding areas halt the acceptance of blood until it can be tested for the virus.
Other efforts to monitor and mitigate the spread of the Zika virus include testing and spraying for mosquitoes in targeted neighborhoods and conducting door-to-door interviews to test local residents for the virus. Zika prevention kits and insect repellent are also being distributed. However, to the dismay of public health officials, Congress took a recess in mid-July without having finalized legislation to help prevent the spread of the Zika infection.
Without any clear sign of federal backing to contain the spread of the virus, individuals should take their own precautions to protect themselves and their families from Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases this summer. NET effect is proven to repel mosquitoes. Visit our online store today to get NET effect shipped to your front door.