In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, the Florida Department of Health will issue a Zika virus update each week day at 2 p.m. Updates will include a CDC-confirmed Zika case count by county and information to better keep Floridians prepared.
There are four new travel-related cases today with two in Miami-Dade, one in Lee and one in Orange counties. Of the cases confirmed in Florida, five cases are still exhibiting symptoms. According to CDC, symptoms associated with the Zika virus last between seven to 10 days.
CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to Zika affected areas. According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika affected area for the virus. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds.
Florida has been monitoring pregnant women with evidence of Zika regardless of symptoms since January. The total number of pregnant women who have been monitored is 36, with 9 having met the previous CDC case definition.
On Feb. 12, Governor Scott directed the State Surgeon General to activate a Zika Virus Information Hotline for current Florida residents and visitors, as well as anyone planning on traveling to Florida in the near future. The hotline, managed by the Department of Health, has assisted 1,839 callers since it launched. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.
All cases are travel-associated.
