Teresa Joseph

Miami Beach Man Says He Contracted Zika

While politicians and protesters clash over the battle against Zika in Miami Beach, one man is living with the virus.

Carlos Garcia, who lives within the 1.5 mile Zika zone, spoke exclusively to NBC 6 about getting infected. He said last month he was convinced he had symptoms of the Zika virus.

"I had a fever with no headache, no sore throat, just fever chills. And, then I had the rash," said Garcia.

The 45-year-old had a rash on the back of his neck. He said there was another rash on his upper body.

"I needed to know because you never know. So, doctors tell me I should avoid having children for 6 months to a year," said Garcia.

Garcia showed NBC 6 a positive lab result from Aug. 24 that states the Zika virus was detected in his urine.

Florida health officials reported 12 homegrown cases of Zika in Miami Beach. Garcia claims he's never heard from the agency and is unsure if he's even included in that count.

"It's a public health concern because the disease or the virus is here and it's a reality. City officials and health officials have to deal with that reality."

At Miami Beach City Hall Wednesday, angry residents protested plans to deal with that reality by aerial spraying over the city to kill mosquitoes.

Protesters are worried about the use of the controversial insecticide Naled, which is EPA approved.

Miami-Dade County officials said the chemical is safe, but Garcia is unsure what to think.

"I don't know. If I have enough information to make a judgment about it. I don't know if it's for the animals or people. If it's not, I think it should be done," said Garcia.

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