Florida - Zika tracking

[Gert van der Hoek]

By HELEN BRANSWELL
JANUARY 15, 2016


A new study suggests southeastern Texas and Florida are the most vulnerable parts of the continental United States to incursion by the Zika virus, believed to be the cause of an epidemic of birth defects in Brazil.

Researchers analyzed international travel patterns from Brazil?s Zika hot spots, plotting traveler destinations that also had populations of mosquitos that can transmit the virus. The combination of infected travelers and the right types of mosquitoes could ignite the spread of Zika virus in new regions, especially those where mosquitoes are active year round.

Significant parts of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean would be at risk of seeing imported Zika touch off a spread of the virus at any point in the year, the researchers reported in the journal The Lancet.

In the United States, year-round risk lies on Florida?s peninsula and in a diamond-shaped part of Texas between San Antonio and the Mexican border, according to the authors, from Canada, the United States, and Britain.



FULL ARTICLE

[Pathfinder]

* Maps were developed by CDC using currently available information. Mosquito populations may be detected in areas not shaded on this map, and may not be consistently found in all shaded areas.

http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/resources/vector-control.html

[Pathfinder]

Case of Zika virus confirmed in Hillsborough

Jenny Dean5:18 p.m. EST January 19, 2016

There is a health alert Tuesday night about a mosquito borne virus called the Zika virus. 10News WTSP has confirmed there are three cases in Florida: two in Miami Dade County connected to people who wen to Colombia and one in Hillsborough County related to someone who went to Venezuela. The Florida Health Department says those are all travel-related.

...

http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/health/2016/01/19/case-zika-virus-confirmed-hillsborough/79002258/

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 cases of Zika virus confirmed in Miami-Dade County

Posted: Jan 19, 2016 3:15 PM CST
Updated: Jan 19, 2016 4:45 PM CST

MIAMI (WSVN) -- The Florida Department of Health has confirmed two cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in Miami-Dade County.

There are currently three travel-associated cases of Zika virus in Florida, said Health Department officials. Two are Miami-Dade County residents who traveled to Colombia in December. The third case is a Hillsborough County resident who traveled to Venezuela in December.
...

http://www.wsvn.com/story/31004257/miami-dade-resident-contracts-zika-virus

[Pathfinder]

Department Reports Six New Travel-Associated Zika Cases To the Cdc

By Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications
February 02, 2016

Feb. 2, 2016
Department Reports Six New Travel-Associated Zika Cases To the Cdc

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla. - This week, the Florida Department of Health reported six new travel-associated cases of Zika in Florida to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). Travel-related cases are defined as disease believed to be contracted outside of the state. Florida has reported a total of nine travel-related cases to the federal government.

While the CDC has not identified Florida as an area of local Zika risk, the Florida Department of Health is closely monitoring imported disease. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott and State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong were briefed by the CDC on the status of Zika virus.

The CDC has issued travel notices for Zika virus for several countries. More information about the CDC’s notices can be found here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
“
Florida has many years of success in containing other mosquito-borne diseases and emerging health threats,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “Through these experiences, the department remains ready to protect residents and visitors from the Zika virus.”

More Information on CDC precautions and DOH monitoring of Zika:

• According to the CDC, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.
• Florida’s public health laboratory has a developed capacity to test for infections. The department works closely with health care providers in the state to offer testing to individuals that meet CDC testing criteria.
• DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.
• DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions.
• To date, Florida has confirmed nine travel-associated cases, which involve residents from the following counties:
  • Miami-Dade – 4 cases
  • Hillsborough – 2 cases
  • Lee – 2 cases
  • Santa Rosa – 1 case
• The department has a PSA video that media partners are welcome to share regarding “Drain and Cover” and preventing mosquito bites. The video can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE6tkoWanXk

For more information on Zika virus, click here.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroo...cases-cdc.html

[Gert van der Hoek]

February 3 2016
Florida officials have declared a public health emergency in four counties with confirmed Zika virus cases, underscoring the increasing concern in the United States.

"We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best," Scott said in a statement.Gov. Rick Scott (R) said nine cases had been confirmed in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa counties and all appear to be "travel-associated." That means that officials believe the patients likely contracted the virus outside the state and most likely outside the country in one of the regions where the virus is spreading.

............

Scott's directive gives the Health Department additional power in coordinating a response to Zika and directs the state's environmental unit to cooperate with the Agricultural Department in coming with a mosquito control plan.

MORE .....

[Pathfinder]

GOV. RICK SCOTT DIRECTS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IN FOUR COUNTIES FOR ZIKA VIRUS

On February 3, 2016, in News Releases, by Staff



TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Rick Scott signed Executive Order 16-29 which directs State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in the four counties which have the Zika virus. There are currently a total of nine travel-associated cases (defined as disease believed to be contracted outside of the state) of the Zika virus across Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa Counties. To view the Executive Order, click HERE.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Today I am directing Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in the four counties that have individuals with the Zika virus. Although Florida’s current nine Zika cases were travel-related, we have to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the spread of the Zika virus in our state. Our Department of Health will continue to be in constant communication with all county health offices, hospitals and the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We know that we must be prepared for the worst even as we hope for the best.”

In addition to directing Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in four counties, the executive order also:

• Directs the Surgeon General to immediately notify the Commissioner of Agriculture of this threat to public health and outlines that statute authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture to issue a mosquito declaration in Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa Counties. The Executive Order also says that special attention for mosquito sprays shall be paid to residential areas, as CDC guidance indicates that backpack mosquito spray measures may be most effective.

• Directs the Florida Department of Health to make its own determinations as to further resources and information needed in the State from the CDC to combat the spread of Zika and other measures that may need to be taken to protect public health.

http://www.flgov.com/2016/02/03/gov-...or-zika-virus/

[Pathfinder]

Gov. Rick Scott: Florida Needs CDC Action and Supplies to Prepare for Zika Virus

On February 4, 2016, in News Releases, by Staff

CDC action requested after public health emergency declared in five counties

TAMPA, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong gave an update on Florida’s preparedness efforts relating to the Zika virus at the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. Governor Scott called on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take action to ensure Florida is prepared and stays ahead of the possible spread of the Zika virus.

Following news today that there are three new cases of Zika in Florida, one of which is a new case in Broward County, Governor Scott is asking Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to amend the declaration of public health emergency to include Broward County. The other new cases are in Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties. All cases in Florida are still travel-related and do not include any pregnant women.

Governor Scott asked:

• The CDC to provide at least 1,000 Zika antibody tests so the state can test individuals, especially pregnant women and new mothers, who have traveled to affected areas and had symptoms of Zika. The antibody test allows the state to see if individuals ever had the Zika virus. Florida currently has the capacity to test only 475 people.

• The CDC to conduct a conference call within the next two weeks to help train Florida hospital workers – especially OBGYN doctors and those who work with pregnant women – on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions.

Governor Scott said, “With over 20 million residents and 100 million tourists, we must stay ahead of the possible spread of the Zika virus and take immediate action to ensure Florida is prepared. That’s why I am calling on the CDC to supply at least 1,000 antibody test kits, of which we currently have only 475, and also conduct a conference call with our hospital workers within the next two weeks so they are prepared to properly treat patients and protect public health. While Florida does have 448 kits to test active cases (different than antibody testing kits), I am authorizing the Department of Health to immediately purchase 4,000 more to ensure our state has the resources to quickly respond.”

Governor Scott is also asking the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to evaluate how much funding they have available for mosquito control. The Department has been appropriated $1.6 million in the last year for mosquito control and Governor Scott is requesting to know how much is still available.

To read Governor Scott’s Executive Order signed yesterday, click HERE.

http://www.flgov.com/2016/02/04/gov-...or-zika-virus/

[Pathfinder]

Feb. 5, 2016
SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla.?In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of Zika virus, beginning this Monday, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong will issue a daily Zika update at 2 p.m. each day. Updates will include a CDC-confirmed Zika case count by county and information to better keep Floridians prepared.

County	Number of Cases (all travel related)
Hillsborough	3
Miami-Dade	5
Lee	2
Santa Rosa	1
Broward	1
St. Johns	1
Osceola	1
Total	14

All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika virus in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on Zika virus, click here.
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes.
More Information on DOH action on Zika:

• According to the CDC, Zika fever illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

• DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

• DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; covering windows with screens; and other basic precautions.

• Yesterday, Governor Scott asked:
  • The CDC to provide at least 1,000 Zika antibody tests so the state can test individuals, especially pregnant women and new mothers, who have traveled to affected areas and had symptoms of Zika. The antibody test allows the state to see if individuals ever had the Zika virus. Florida currently has the capacity to test only 475 people.

• • The CDC to conduct a conference call within the next two weeks to help train Florida hospital workers - especially OBGYN doctors and those who work with pregnant women - on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions.

• The CDC has yet to fulfill either request.

• For more information on Zika virus, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2016/02/020516-zika-update.html

http://www.floridahealth.gov/

[Pathfinder]

Feb. 8, 2016
SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla.?In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong 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.

County	Number of Cases (all travel related)
Broward	2
Hillsborough	3
Lee	2
Miami-Dade	6
Osceola	1
Santa Rosa	1
St. Johns	1
Total	16

All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here.
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.
More Information on DOH action on Zika:

• Last week, Governor Scott directed State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.
  • The Declaration currently includes the seven effected counties ? Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Santa Rosa and St. Johns ? and will be updated as needed.

• According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

• DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

• DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.

• Last week, Governor Scott asked:
  • The CDC to provide at least 1,000 Zika antibody tests so the state can test individuals, especially pregnant women, who have traveled to affected areas and had symptoms of Zika. The antibody test allows the state to see if individuals ever had the Zika virus. Florida currently has the capacity to test only 475 people.

• • The CDC to conduct a conference call within the next two weeks to help train Florida hospital workers - especially OBGYN doctors and those who work with pregnant women - on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions.

• The CDC has yet to fulfill either request.

• For more information on Zika virus, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroo...ka-update.html

[Pathfinder]

Gov. Rick Scott Thanks CDC for 950 Zika Antibody Tests

On February 9, 2016, in News Releases, by Staff

State Waiting for CDC Conference Call with Hospital Workers

SARASOTA, Fla. ? Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent 950 Zika antibody tests to Florida. The antibody tests allow individuals, especially pregnant women and new mothers, to see if they ever had the Zika virus. Last week, the CDC sent 475 of these tests. Florida has a total of 1,425 antibody tests. None of the 16 Zika cases in Florida have been acquired locally and do not involve pregnant women.

Governor Rick Scott said, ?We appreciate that the CDC sent 950 Zika antibody tests to Florida so we can better test those who have traveled to affected areas and had symptoms of Zika. While having these tests readily available is great progress, we are still waiting on the CDC to schedule a conference call with Florida hospital workers to ensure they fully understand the symptoms, treatments and proper precautions for Zika. We will continue to do all we can to ensure our state is prepared for the possible spread of the Zika virus.?

http://www.flgov.com/2016/02/09/gov-rick-scott-thanks-cdc-for-950-zika-antibody-tests/

[sharon sanders]

Feb. 10, 2016
SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla.?In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong 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 no new cases today.
Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the CDC will host a conference call and webinar with Florida health care professionals - including OBGYNS, doctors and those who work with pregnant women - on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions. The CDC call and webinar will take place tomorrow afternoon and the Florida Department of Health will be sharing information with health care professionals on how to participate.
Yesterday, the Governor announced that the CDC sent 950 Zika antibody tests to Florida. Florida has 1,425 antibody tests to determine whether a person has ever been infected with the Zika virus.

County	Number of Cases (all travel related)
Broward	2
Hillsborough	3
Lee	2
Miami-Dade	6
Osceola	1
Santa Rosa	1
St. Johns	1
Total	16

All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here.
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.
More Information on DOH action on Zika:

• Last week, Governor Scott directed State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.

• • The Declaration currently includes the seven effected counties ? Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Santa Rosa and St. Johns ? and will be updated as needed.

• According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

• DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

• DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.

• Last week, Governor Scott authorized DOH to purchase 4,000 more testing kits to test for active Zika cases (different than antibody testing kits).

• For more information on Zika virus, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2016/02/021016-zika-update-5.html

[Pathfinder]

FEBRUARY 10, 2016 4:10 PM

CDC to host Zika virus conference call with Florida healthcare workers
...

BY DANIEL CHANG

No new cases of Zika infection have been reported in Florida since Monday, but more help is on the way from the federal government as requested by Gov. Rick Scott to prepare for the rapidly spreading virus that appears to pose the greatest threat to pregnant women and their unborn children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will host a conference via telephone and Internet Thursday with Florida obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians, nurses and other healthcare workers to learn more about how Zika is transmitted, its symptoms, treatments and precautions against the infectious disease.
...

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article59600431.html

[Pathfinder]

Feb. 11, 2016
SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla.?In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong 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.

County	Number of Cases (all travel related)
Broward	2
Hillsborough	3
Lee	3
Miami-Dade	7
Osceola	1
Santa Rosa	1
St. Johns	1
Total	18

Yesterday, Governor Rick Scott announced that the CDC will host a conference call today with Florida health care professionals - including OBGYNS, doctors and those who work with pregnant women - on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions.
Last week, Governor Scott directed the department to purchase 4,000 test kits for active Zika virus. Florida currently has the capacity to test 5,104 people for active Zika virus and 1,418 for Zika antibodies.
All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here.
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.
More Information on DOH action on Zika:

• Last week, Governor Scott directed State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.

• • The Declaration currently includes the seven effected counties ? Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Santa Rosa and St. Johns ? and will be updated as needed.

• According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

• DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

• DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.

• For more information on Zika virus, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroo...-update-6.html

[Pathfinder]

Feb. 12, 2016
SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla.?In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong 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.
As of today, two new Zika cases have been confirmed with one in Alachua County and one additional case in Broward County. Dr. Armstrong?s Declaration of Public Health Emergency has been expanded to include Alachua County.

County	Number of Cases (all travel related)
Alachua	1
Broward	3
Hillsborough	3
Lee	3
Miami-Dade	7
Osceola	1
Santa Rosa	1
St. Johns	1
Total	20

Today, Governor Rick Scott directed State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong 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 will be managed by the Department of Health, and will answer questions on the Zika virus and the state?s preparedness efforts. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.
Yesterday, at the request of Governor Scott, the CDC hosted a conference call with Florida health care professionals - including OBGYNS, doctors and those who work with pregnant women - on how Zika is spread, its symptoms, treatments and proper precautions. Nearly 600 phone lines dialed in to participate in the briefing and question and answer session.
All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here.
State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong urges Floridians to drain standing water weekly, no matter how seemingly small. A couple drops of water in a bottle cap can be a breeding location for mosquitoes. Residents and visitors also need to use repellents when enjoying the Florida outdoors.
More Information on DOH action on Zika:

• Last week, Governor Scott directed State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.

• • The Declaration currently includes the eight effected counties ? Alachua, Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Santa Rosa and St. Johns ? and will be updated as needed.

• According to the CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers are examining a possible link between the virus and harm to unborn babies exposed during pregnancy.

• DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with the CDC, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and local county mosquito control boards to ensure that the proper precautions are being taken to protect Florida residents and visitors.

• DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their skin with repellent and clothing; and covering windows with screens.

• Florida currently has the capacity to test 5,079 people for active Zika virus and 1,402 for Zika antibodies.

• For more information on Zika virus, click here.

About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroo...-update-7.html

[Pathfinder]

Feb. 15, 2016
SURGEON GENERAL DR. JOHN ARMSTRONG'S DAILY ZIKA UPDATE: ONE NEW CASE CONFIRMED IN BROWARD COUNTY

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
(850) 245-4111
Tallahassee, Fla.—In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong 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. As of today, one new Zika case has been confirmed in Broward County.

County	Number of Cases (all travel related)
Alachua	1
Broward	4
Hillsborough	3
Lee	3
Miami-Dade	7
Osceola	1
Santa Rosa	1
St. Johns	1
Total	21

Last week, Governor Rick Scott directed State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong 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 274 callers since Friday. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.

All cases are travel-associated. There have been no locally-acquired cases of Zika in Florida. None of the confirmed cases involve pregnant women. For more information on the Zika virus, click here.
...

http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroo...-update-8.html