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Florida - Zika tracking

Florida health officials confirm local Zika transmission
By Debra Goldschmidt, CNN
Updated 10:20 AM ET, Fri July 29, 2016

(CNN)Four individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been infected with the Zika virus by local mosquitoes, Florida health officials said Friday.

These are the first known cases of the virus being transmitted by mosquitoes in the continental United States.

"While no mosquitoes trapped tested positive for the Zika virus, the department believes these cases were likely transmitted through infected mosquitoes in this area," according to a statement from the Florida Department of Health.

Officials believe the local transmission is confined to a small area north of downtown Miami within a single ZIP code. However, local, state and federal health officials are continuing their investigation, which includes going door-to-door to ask residents for urine samples and other information in an effort to determine how many people may be infected. It is possible that someone could have Zika without knowing since 80% of those infected have no symptoms. Symptoms of the virus include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, and they can last from a few days to about a week.
...
http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/29/health/florida-health-officials-confirm-local-zika-transmission/
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See also:
Florida - Department of Health responds to local Zika cases (July 29, 2016)
https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...lth-responds-to-local-zika-cases-july-29-2016
 
Florida - Gov. Scott: with likely mosquito-borne Zika cases, state will use full resources to protect Floridians

Gov. Scott: With Likely Mosquito-Borne Zika Cases, State Will Use Full Resources to Protect Floridians

On July 29, 2016, in News Releases, by Staff


ORLANDO, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Florida Department of Health (DOH) has concluded that four cases of the Zika virus are likely mosquito-borne. DOH knows that the four cases are in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. One of these cases involves a woman and the other three cases involve men. At this time, DOH believes that active transmissions of the Zika virus are occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown. The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20th Street to the south. This area is about 1 square mile and a map is below to detail the area. This is currently the only area of the state where DOH is testing to see if there are local transmissions of Zika. They are all active Zika cases and have not exhibited symptoms to be admitted to the hospital.

Governor Scott said, “We learned today that four people in our state likely have the Zika virus as a result of a mosquito bite. All four of these people live in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and the Florida Department of Health believes that active transmissions of this virus could be occurring in one small area in Miami. While no mosquitoes have tested positive for the Zika virus, DOH is aggressively testing people in this area to ensure there are no other cases. If you live in this area and want to be tested, I urge you to contact the county health department which stands ready to assist you.

“Since our first travel-related case in February, Florida has taken an aggressive approach and committed state and local resources to combat this virus. Just like with a hurricane, we have worked hard to stay ahead of the spread of Zika and prepare for the worst, even as we hope for the best. Now that Florida has become the first state to have a local transmission, likely through a mosquito, we will continue to put every resource available to fighting the spread of Zika in our state. Last month, I used my emergency executive authority to allocate $26.2 million in state funds for Zika preparedness, prevention and response in Florida. I will continue to travel the state and speak with local leaders, ports and airports to ensure their needs are met. If it becomes clear more resources are needed, we will not hesitate to allocate them.

“We know this virus is most detrimental to expecting mothers. If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant and live in the impacted area, I urge you to contact your OB/GYN for guidance and to receive a Zika Prevention kit. I also ask every Floridian to take proper precautions by eliminating any standing water and wearing insect repellent.

“Following today’s news, I directed the Department of Health to immediately begin contracting with commercial pest control companies to increase spraying and mosquito abatement efforts in the impacted area. We know from our experience with successfully dealing with other mosquito-borne viruses in our state that through constant surveillance and immediate action that we will protect our families and visitors. We will continue this same approach as we work to combat the Zika virus in our state. Florida is an outdoors state with pristine beaches, award-winning state parks and world class fishing. We continue to welcome record visitors to Florida and will remind everyone in our state to take proper precautions and wear insect repellent.”

Governor Scott has directed DOH to activate the Joint Information Center (JIC) within the State Emergency Operations Center to ensure impacted areas have coordinated access to information and resources. As part of this effort, Governor Scott has directed DOH to contract with commercial pest control companies to enhance and expand mosquito mitigation and abatement, including increased spraying, in the impacted areas.

Governor Scott has also directed DOH to do the following response activities:
  • Provide $620,000 to OneBlood, the primary blood bank in the area, to establish appropriate blood screening. DOH will be working with FDA and blood establishments in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties to test each individual unit of blood collected. Additionally, statewide DOH will ensure safe blood for pregnant women by screening units from counties without Zika.
  • Work with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to issue a Mosquito Declaration and ensure that Mosquito Control in the areas of concern have the resources they need to combat further local transmission. Miami-Dade and Broward County Mosquito Control Districts will receive $1.28 million in state funds through December to combat Zika.
  • Continue investigations in concert with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure we learn all we can about Zika as an emerging disease.
  • Coordinate with OB/GYNs and organizations that serve pregnant woman in the impacted area to distribute Zika prevention kits to pregnant women.
  • Ongoing door-to-door outreach in the areas of concern with continued mosquito mitigation activities and repellant distribution.
  • Partner with VISIT FLORIDA to distribute educational items, repellant and Zika Prevention Kits for pregnant women to visitor centers in the impacted areas.
  • Partner with the Florida Department of Education to ensure that mosquito breeding source reduction and mitigation activities have occurred at all schools in Miami-Dade and Broward counties ahead of children returning to classes this fall.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam H. Putnam said, “We are dedicated to protecting Floridians and visitors from Zika and will continue to support mosquito control programs throughout Florida with their surveillance and control efforts. Floridians can do their part by draining standing water surrounding their homes, as it can serve as breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that are capable of transmitting the virus.”

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip said, “As with most emerging health threats, we learn more about Zika each day but we recognize that the unknown can be scary especially for pregnant women. We’re committed to sharing as much as we can as soon as we can. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all people in Florida and a big part of that is being accessible. If you have questions, please call the Zika hotline at 1-855-622-6735.”
 
Florida - More bug spray, less dining al fresco planned in Zika zone

JULY 30, 2016 3:51 AM

More bug spray, less dining al fresco planned in Zika zone

BY JENNIFER KAY AND KELLI KENNEDY
Associated Press
MIAMI
...
snip
...
Some medical experts said pregnant women should not travel to the Miami area, especially if it involves spending time outdoors. However, the CDC is not issuing such advice.

snip
...
"Believe it or not, it's difficult to find positive mosquitoes even when you're in the middle of an epidemic," Connelly said. "Sometimes you don't know where these people were infected. At home? At work? Where they were playing baseball?"
...
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/article92788467.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Florida - 10 new local Zika cases in Miami cluster - total 14 - CDC arrives to help - August 1, 2016

[h=1]Florida announces 10 new Zika cases; a travel advisory is expected[/h] Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) said Monday that the state health department has identified 10 more people who have been infected with the Zika virus who likely contracted it from mosquitoes, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 14.
The governor said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will issue a travel notice to women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected area that is just north of downtown Miami.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...new-zika-cases-a-travel-advisory-is-expected/
 
Official statement...


Gov. Scott: Florida Calls on CDC to Activate Emergency Response Team Following Confirmed Mosquito-Borne Transmissions

On August 1, 2016, in News Releases, by Staff




ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. ? Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Florida Department of Health (DOH) has identified 10 additional people in Florida with the Zika virus who likely contracted it through a mosquito bite. This brings the total number of people with locally transmitted Zika to 14. DOH believes that active transmissions of the Zika virus are still only occurring in the one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown, that was announced on Friday (see map below). This remains the only area of the state where DOH has confirmed there are ongoing local transmissions of Zika. Among the 10 new individuals announced today, six are asymptomatic and were identified from the door-to-door community survey that DOH is conducting.

Following today?s announcement, Governor Scott has called upon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to activate a CDC Emergency Response Team (CERT) to assist the Florida Department of Health and other partners in their investigation, sample collection, and mosquito control efforts.
Governor Scott said, ?Today, DOH has confirmed that 10 additional people have contracted the Zika virus locally, likely through a mosquito bite. DOH has been testing individuals in three locations in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties for possible local transmissions through mosquito bites. Based on DOH?s investigations, two locations have been ruled out for possible local transmissions of the Zika virus. DOH believes local transmissions are still only occurring in the same square mile area of Miami.

?Following today?s announcement, I have requested that the CDC activate their Emergency Response Team to assist DOH in their investigation, research and sample collection efforts. Their team will consist of public health experts whose role is to augment our response efforts to confirmed local transmissions of the Zika virus.

?While we continue to learn more about this virus each day, we know that it is most harmful to pregnant women and their babies. For women who live or work in the impacted area and are either pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, I urge you to contact your OB/GYN for guidance and to receive a Zika prevention kit.

?Florida has a proven track record of success when it comes to managing similar mosquito-borne viruses. We will continue to keep our residents and visitors safe utilizing constant surveillance and aggressive strategies, such as increased mosquito spraying, that have allowed our state to fight similar viruses. While I encourage all residents and visitors to continue to use precaution by draining standing water and wearing bug spray, Florida remains safe and open for business. This year, we have already welcomed a record 30 million tourists and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to Florida this summer.?

DOH has conducted testing for the Zika virus for more than 2,300 people statewide. Since DOH began their investigation into possible local transmissions of Zika on July 7[SUP]th[/SUP], more than 200 individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been tested for the virus who live or work near the individuals that have already been confirmed with likely mosquito-borne transmissions. Of the 14 individuals identified, two are women and 12 are men.

The CDC has now issued a notice to women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant to avoid unnecessary travel to the impacted area that is just north of downtown Miami (see map below of the one square mile area). As directed by Governor Scott last week, DOH has activated the Joint Information Center (JIC) within the State Emergency Operations Center to ensure the impacted area has coordinated access to information and resources. DOH has also begun the process to contract with commercial pest control companies to enhance and expand mosquito mitigation and abatement, including increased spraying, in the impacted area.

On February 12[SUP]th[/SUP], 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 number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.

The exact location of where DOH believes there are active transmissions of the Zika virus is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5[SUP]th[/SUP] Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38[SUP]th[/SUP] Street to the north and NW/NE 20[SUP]th[/SUP] Street to the south. This area is about one square mile and a map is below to detail the area.
 
So far at this posting there is no Florida notice on the CDC ZIka travel advisory site:


cdczikatravelnotice.webp


http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information
 
A comment from Michael Coston who was born in Florida and has lived in Florida for many decades:

"Well, it's not unexpected. We've been waiting to see when, not if, Zika began to spread in the Continental United States. While large scale outbreaks are unlikely, local outbreaks like the one we are seeing in Miami-Dade are probably going to be big stories here - and elsewhere in the nation - for the next few months.

Luckily, there are things people can do to greatly reduce their risks of contracting the virus. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and mosquito repellent. Cleaning up mosquito breeding areas. And reporting mosquito activity to your local mosquito control agency.
.
For most people who are affected, this won't present a serious health threat. But for pregnant women, or women who may become pregnant, this is a genuine concern. The CDC's Zika website provides a lot of good information on preventing transmission. People need to take it seriously."
 
CDC web page on the Florida cases (my bolding):



Advice for people living in or traveling to Wynwood, a neighborhood in Florida




Recommend on FacebookTweet





Area in Miami, FL where Zika virus is being spread by mosquitoes.



The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes. This guidance is for people who live in or traveled to this area any time after June 15 (based on the earliest time symptoms can start and the maximum 2-week incubation period for Zika virus).


Pregnant women and their partners
  • Pregnant women should not travel to this area.
  • Pregnant women and their partners living in or traveling to this area should follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.
  • Women and men who live in or traveled to this area and who have a pregnant sex partner should use condoms or other barriers to prevent infection every time they have sex or not have sex during the pregnancy.
  • All pregnant women in the United States should be assessed for possible Zika virus exposure during each prenatal care visit.
  • Pregnant women who live in or frequently travel to this area should be tested in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.
  • Pregnant women with possible Zika exposure and signs or symptoms of Zika should be tested for Zika.
  • Pregnant women who traveled to or had unprotected sex with a partner that traveled to or lives in this area should talk to their healthcare provider and should be tested for Zika.
Couples thinking about getting pregnant
  • Women with Zika should wait at least 8 weeks and men with Zika should wait at least 6 months after symptoms began to try to get pregnant.
  • Women and men who live in or frequently travel to this area should talk to their healthcare provider.
  • Women and men who traveled to this area should wait at least 8 weeks before trying to get pregnant.
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/intheus/florida-update.html
 
There is a CDC media conference going on now...a very late notice sent to FluTrackers....


Partial notes:

Frieden says there may be more cases.

Frieden: Referring insecticide questions to Florida state.

Frieden: Urging pregnant women to take this situation seriously.

Frieden: CDC CERT team in Florida with many capabilities - 2 already there ...several more on the way including a vector control expert...

Frieden: All pregnant women in the United States must take precautions in all areas where Aedes aegypti mosquitoes live.

Frieden: Anyone returning from a Zika area must use a repellent for 3 weeks after return.

Frieden: The affected area in Miami has many difference types of buildings and is more complicated to treat for mosquitoes.

Jamieson: CDC recommends women considering becoming pregnant should not get pregnant for at least 8 weeks after visiting the indicated area in Miami.

Frieden: No Zika positive mosquitoes have been caught yet and do not expect many. Humans are a better indicator of Zika spread in population.

Petersen: No evidence to date that culex mosquitoes are spreading Zika in the US.

Frieden: Evidence that mosquito abatement efforts have not been as effective as hoped and additional cases found going back to June 30 prompted CDC travel notice to this area of Miami.

Frieden: This is a tough mosquito to control. Example is dengue outbreak in Key West which lasted for a year.


Conference over.
 
[FONT=&quot]Aug. 1, 2016[/FONT]

Department of Health Daily Zika Update

[FONT=&quot]...
On Friday, July 29, the department confirmed Florida’s first local transmissions of the Zika virus in four individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Three locations of interest were investigated based on where these individuals spent a majority of their time.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Since the department began our investigation into possible local transmissions of Zika on July 7th, more than 200 individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been tested for the virus who live or work near the individuals that have already been confirmed with likely mosquito-borne transmissions. See breakdown of cases and testing numbers below.[/FONT]
  • One case in Miami-Dade: 54 close contacts and individuals from the community have been tested with no additional positives
  • One case in Broward: 70 close contacts and individuals from the community have been tested with no additional positive
  • Two cases in the area of interest in Miami-Dade: tested 26 close contacts, one confirmed and three probable; 52 individuals from the community have been tested, six were positive but asymptomatic
[FONT=&quot]The department tested close contacts and community members within a 150 meter radius, the maximum distance that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to travel. These community surveys are the first systematic assessment of individuals for possible asymptomatic Zika virus infection ever performed. Finding six asymptomatic individuals who were positive for Zika contributes to our understanding of the role these individuals may play in transmitting Zika.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The department has conducted testing for the Zika virus for more than 2,300 people statewide. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]At this time, the department still believes active transmissions of the Zika virus are occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown. The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20thStreet to the south. This area is about one square mile and a map is below to detail the area. This remains the only area of the state where the department has confirmed there are local transmissions of Zika. If investigations reveal additional areas of likely active transmission, the department will announce a defined area of concern. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]In the area where active transmission is occurring, the department continues door-to-door outreach and is gathering samples for testing to determine the number of people affected. Mosquito abatement and reduction activities continue. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The department continues to work closely with CDC and, at the direction of Governor Scott, has requested a CDC Emergency Response Team (CERT) be deployed to Florida. The CERT team will consist of a vector control expert to provide guidance on local mosquito control measures, a laboratory professional to assist with rapid testing, a pregnancy birth defects registry expert to assist with tracking pregnancy outcomes and a risk communications professional to assist with messaging and outreach to target populations. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to areas with widespread Zika infection. Florida’s small case cluster is not considered widespread transmission, however, pregnant women are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the impacted area in Miami-Dade County (see map below). If you are pregnant and must travel or if you live or work in the impacted area, protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent, long clothing and limiting your time outdoors. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika affected area for the virus. It is also recommended that all pregnant women who reside in or travel frequently to the area where active transmission is likely occurring be tested for Zika in the first and second trimester. Pregnant women in the identified area can contact their medical provider or their local county health department to be tested and receive a Zika prevention kit. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds.

Additionally, the department will work closely with the Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade County to identify pregnant women in the one square mile area to ensure they have access to resources and information to protect themselves. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Florida has been monitoring pregnant women with evidence of Zika regardless of symptoms since January. The total number of pregnant women who have been or are being monitored is 55.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and CDC released a new case definition for Zika that now includes reporting both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of Zika. Prior to this change, states reported only symptomatic non-pregnant cases and pregnant cases regardless of symptoms. This change comes as a result of increased availability for testing in commercial laboratories.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]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 2,480 callers since it launched. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]The department 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.
...
http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroo...ka-update.html[/FONT]
 
[FONT=&quot] [h=1]Department of Health Daily Zika Update[/h] By Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications
August 01, 2016
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot] Press Release[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
DOH_logo.png

Aug. 1, 2016
[h=2]Department of Health Daily Zika Update[/h] 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, the department will continue to 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 two new travel-related cases today with one in Manatee County and one in St. Lucie County. Please visit our website to see the full list of travel-related cases.
On Friday, July 29, the department confirmed Florida?s first local transmissions of the Zika virus in four individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Three locations of interest were investigated based on where these individuals spent a majority of their time.
Since the department began our investigation into possible local transmissions of Zika on July 7th, more than 200 individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been tested for the virus who live or work near the individuals that have already been confirmed with likely mosquito-borne transmissions. See breakdown of cases and testing numbers below.
  • One case in Miami-Dade: 54 close contacts and individuals from the community have been tested with no additional positives
  • One case in Broward: 70 close contacts and individuals from the community have been tested with no additional positive
  • Two cases in the area of interest in Miami-Dade: tested 26 close contacts, one confirmed and three probable; 52 individuals from the community have been tested, six were positive but asymptomatic
The department tested close contacts and community members within a 150 meter radius, the maximum distance that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to travel. These community surveys are the first systematic assessment of individuals for possible asymptomatic Zika virus infection ever performed. Finding six asymptomatic individuals who were positive for Zika contributes to our understanding of the role these individuals may play in transmitting Zika.
The department has conducted testing for the Zika virus for more than 2,300 people statewide.
At this time, the department still believes active transmissions of the Zika virus are occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown. The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20thStreet to the south. This area is about one square mile and a map is below to detail the area. This remains the only area of the state where the department has confirmed there are local transmissions of Zika. If investigations reveal additional areas of likely active transmission, the department will announce a defined area of concern.
In the area where active transmission is occurring, the department continues door-to-door outreach and is gathering samples for testing to determine the number of people affected. Mosquito abatement and reduction activities continue.
The department continues to work closely with CDC and, at the direction of Governor Scott, has requested a CDC Emergency Response Team (CERT) be deployed to Florida. The CERT team will consist of a vector control expert to provide guidance on local mosquito control measures, a laboratory professional to assist with rapid testing, a pregnancy birth defects registry expert to assist with tracking pregnancy outcomes and a risk communications professional to assist with messaging and outreach to target populations.
CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to areas with widespread Zika infection. Florida?s small case cluster is not considered widespread transmission, however, pregnant women are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the impacted area in Miami-Dade County (see map below). If you are pregnant and must travel or if you live or work in the impacted area, protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent, long clothing and limiting your time outdoors.
According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika affected area for the virus. It is also recommended that all pregnant women who reside in or travel frequently to the area where active transmission is likely occurring be tested for Zika in the first and second trimester. Pregnant women in the identified area can contact their medical provider or their local county health department to be tested and receive a Zika prevention kit. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds. Additionally, the department will work closely with the Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade County to identify pregnant women in the one square mile area to ensure they have access to resources and information to protect themselves. 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 or are being monitored is 55.
The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and CDC released a new case definition for Zika that now includes reporting both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of Zika. Prior to this change, states reported only symptomatic non-pregnant cases and pregnant cases regardless of symptoms. This change comes as a result of increased availability for testing in commercial laboratories.
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 2,480 callers since it launched. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.
The department 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.
...
http://www.floridahealth.gov/newsroom/2016/08/080116-zika-update.html

​
[/FONT]​
 
The Latest: Governor talks about Zika tests in Florida
...
A 60-year-old Miami man says he has tested positive for the Zika virus after health officials came to his house a few days ago and collected a urine sample.

Rosemary LeBranch told The Associated Press on Monday that health officials took samples from her as well as her mother and father, Gabriel Jean, who tested positive.

She says her father has spoken with a doctor and was advised to wear long shirts and pants when he goes outside. The doctor warned him that he wouldn't feel well, but LeBranch said he doesn't have a fever or feel any pain.
...
LeBranch and her mother tested negative.

The family lives in the area where Florida Gov. Rick Scott confirmed 10 new infections of the Zika virus, likely transmitted by mosquitoes, bringing the total in the state to 14.
...
http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/32589857/the-latest-miami-man-says-he-tested-positive-for-zika
 
US - Florida: U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy tours Orange County Mosquito Control to discuss ongoing mosquito-borne illness prevention efforts - July 28, 2016

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3sU9tp0wcWQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


[FONT=&quot]28 July 2106[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Obama Administration Visits Orange County to Discuss Local Zika Preparedness Efforts[/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot] [L-R] U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Orange County Mosquito Control Acting Manager Kelly Deutsch and Orange County Director of Health Services Dr. Chris Hunter gather at Orange County Mosquito Control to discuss mosquito-borne illness prevention efforts.
[/FONT]​
[FONT=&quot] Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County Director of Health Services Dr. Chris Hunter, along with members of Mosquito Control recently met with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for a tour of Orange County Mosquito Control to discuss ongoing mosquito-borne illness prevention efforts.
?Providing for the health and safety of our community is one of the fundamental roles of government. In Orange County, we have an extremely skilled team and a robust mosquito control program,? Mayor Jacobs said. ?Our team works seamlessly with the Florida Department of Health and our federal partners to do everything possible to proactively combat the spread of the Zika virus and other mosquito borne-illness.?
Orange County Mosquito Control?s field team works proactively to eliminate sources of standing water such as pool tarps, tires, buckets, empty flower pots and other small containers that can collect water. These efforts help eliminate the possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Since February, Florida has tracked more than 300 cases of the virus. Orange County has documented 36 travel-related cases. Osceola County has 17 cases, Seminole County recorded 11, and Lake County had one case.
Between June 1 and July 21, team members at Mosquito Control had conducted more than 7,500 field visits in response to suspected and confirmed cases, along with proactive measures and at the request of Orange County residents. "We approach all suspect cases as if positive. This response helps us to mitigate any potential delay that could be attributed to pending laboratory results,? explains Acting Manager for Mosquito Control Kelly Deutsch.
?In addition, while the Florida Department of Health asks mosquito control personnel to focus targeted spraying 225 yards of an area of suspect Zika, Orange County Mosquito Control has elected to expand efforts to a 500-yard radius.?
Orange County Mosquito Control has a working laboratory where researchers examine mosquitoes and larva found within the community. This information helps Orange County identify target areas for treatment and migration trends. Their efforts range from removing standing water, which serves as a breeding area, to providing research and information to partner agencies, along with spraying communities to rid them of mosquitoes. They have experience monitoring and combating various mosquito?borne diseases such as the West Nile virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dengue Fever and the Chikungunya virus.
In addition, Orange County Mosquito Control has submitted more than 1,100 mosquitoes and 65 samples to the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Kissimmee, Florida. The lab tests for mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue fever. All results have been negative.
?We have been working vigorously to mitigate the spread of the virus, but we need more funding to pay for staff, equipment, control materials and monitoring supplies,? Mayor Jacobs added. ?The best way to fight this virus is to be proactive.?
Federal funds have helped Orange County Mosquito Control hire 10 additional employees to assist with field work and encourage residents to be aware and vigilant about emptying containers of standing water. The recent funding of approximately $120,000 has also helped purchase additional equipment. Nonetheless, ongoing federal support will be crucial to the success of Orange County?s Mosquito Control program.
In order to prevent mosquito-borne diseases it is important to remember to drain standing or still water to help eliminate breeding. Apply insect repellants containing DEET to repel mosquitoes and wear long sleeves, pants and socks to prevent bites.
Visit Orange County?s Mosquito Safety website for more information.
To view photos from the tour with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary and U.S. Surgeon General, visit Mayor Jacobs? Flickr album.

http://www.ocfl.net/Newsroom/NS-LocalZikaPreparednessEfforts.aspx

[/FONT]
 
Zika infects 14 in north Miami, 1st domestic travel ban activated

By The Associated Press
on August 02, 2016 at 6:08 AM, updated August 02, 2016 at 6:16 AM
...
Dr. Peter Hotez, a tropical medicine expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, said the CDC should be more cautious and expand the travel advisory to all of Miami-Dade County.

"If you're pregnant or think you might be pregnant, avoid travel to Miami, and possibly elsewhere in South Florida," he said. "I'm guessing most women who are pregnant are doing that. I don't think they're sitting around waiting for the CDC to split hairs and fine-tune it to a specific area."

CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden said the narrowly drawn warning was dictated by science and not by any concern for Florida's crucial tourism industry. He said it was based on the nation's ability to contain previous outbreaks of other diseases carried by the same mosquito.

"There wouldn't be a technical or scientific basis to give a broader recommendation," Frieden said.

http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/08/zika_miami_travel_ban.html
 
http://www.floridahealth.gov/_docume...ika-update.pdf [TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]
MsgAttachment
August 2, 2016
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DAILY ZIKA
UPDATE

Contact:
Communications Office
NewsMedia@flhealth.gov
850-245-4111
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. &#150; In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware about the status of the Zika virus, the department will continue to 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 three new travel-related cases today and all are located in Miami-Dade County. Please visit our website to see the full list of travel-related cases.

The department is investigating one new non-travel related infection in Miami-Dade County.

The total number of non-travel related infections is 15 and all are in Miami-Dade and Broward County. (previous total was 14 link)

THE DEPARTMENT STILL BELIEVES ACTIVE TRANSMISSION IS ONLY TAKING PLACE WITHIN THE IDENTIFTIED ONE-SQUARE MILE AREA IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.

For a complete breakdown of non-travel and travel-related Zika infections to-date, please see below. [TABLE="border: 1, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"]
[TR]
[TD]Infection Type[/TD]
[TD]Infection Count[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Travel-Related Infections of Zika[/TD]
[TD]336[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Non-Travel Related Infections of Zika[/TD]
[TD]15[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Infections Involving Pregnant Women[/TD]
[TD]55[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
The new non-travel related infection is located outside of the one-square mile area in Miami-Dade County where the department has identified active transmission is taking place. The investigation is on-going and the department has begun door-to-door outreach and sampling in the area of the confirmed case. Mosquito abatement and reduction activities are also taking place. The department will share more details as they become available.

On Friday, July 29, the department confirmed Florida&#146;s first local transmissions of the Zika virus in four individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Three locations of interest were investigated based on where these individuals s pent a majority of their time.

Since the department began our investigation into possible local transmissions of Zika on July 7[SUP]th[/SUP], more than 340 individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have been tested for the virus who live or work near the individuals that have already been confirmed with likely mosquito-borne transmissions. See breakdown of cases and testing numbers below.
  • One case in Miami-Dade: 54 close contacts and individuals from the community have been tested with no additional positives
  • One case in Broward: 70 close contacts and individuals from the community have been tested with no additional positive
  • Two cases in the area of interest in Miami-Dade: tested 26 close contacts, one confirmed and three probable; 52 individuals from the community have been tested, six were positive but asymptomatic
    • An additional 142 individuals in the area have been tested; one was positive but asymptomatic and had recent travel to a Zika-affected area and is considered a travel-related infection
The department tested close contacts and community members within a 150 meter radius, the maximum distance that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known to travel. These community surveys are the first systematic assessment of individuals for possible asymptomatic Zika virus infection ever performed. Finding six asymptomatic individuals who were positive for Zika contributes to our understanding of the role these individuals may play in transmitting Zika.

The department has conducted testing for the Zika virus for nearly 2,400 people statewide.
At this time, the department still believes active transmissions of the Zika virus are occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade Coun ty, just north of downtown. The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5[SUP]th[/SUP] Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38[SUP]th[/SUP] Street to the north and NW/NE 20[SUP]th[/SUP]Street to the south. This area is about one square mile and a map is below to detail the area. This remains the only area of the state where the department has confirmed there are local transmissions of Zika. If investigations reveal additional areas of likely active transmission, the department will announce a defined area of concern.

In the area where active transmission is occurring, the department continues door-to-door outreach and is gathering samples for testing to determine the number of people affected. Mosquito abatement and reduction activities continue. Mosquito control will be conducting aerial spraying in the area.

The department continues to work closely with CDC. On August 1, the Governor directed the department to request a CDC Emergency Response Team (CERT). The CERT arrived in Florida today and they will be assisting the department with investigation, sample collection, public outreach and mosquito control efforts.

CDC recommends that women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant postpone travel to areas with widespread Zika infection. Florida&#146;s small case cluster is not considered widespread transmission, however, pregnant women are advised to avoid non-essential travel to the impacted area in Miami-Dade County (see map below). If you are pregnant and must travel or if you live or work in the impacted area, protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent, long clothing and limiting your time outdoors.

According to CDC guidance, providers should consider testing all pregnant women with a history of travel to a Zika affected area for the virus. It is also recommended that all pregnant women who reside in or travel frequently to the area where active transmission is likely occurring be tested for Zika in the first and second trimester. Pregnant women in the identified area can contact their medical provider or their local county health department to be tested and receive a Zika prevention kit. CDC recommends that a pregnant woman with a history of Zika virus and her provider should consider additional ultrasounds. Additionally, the department will work closely with the Healthy Start Coalition of Miami-Dade County to identify pregnant women in the one square mile area to ensure they have access to resources and information to protect themselves. 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 or are being monitored is 55.

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and CDC released a new case definition for Zika that now includes reporting both asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of Zika. Prior to this change, states reported only symptomatic non-pregnant cases and pregnant cases regardless of symptoms. This change comes as a result of increased availability for testing in commercial laboratories.

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 2,624 callers since it launched. The number for the Zika Virus Information Hotline is 1-855-622-6735.

The department 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:
  • On Feb. 3, Governor Scott directed the State Surgeon General to issue a Declaration of Public Health Emergency for the counties of residents with travel-associated cases of Zika.
  • There have been 29 counties included in the declaration&#150; Alachua, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia &#150; and will be updated as needed.
  • DOH encourages Florida residents and visitors to protect themselves from all mosquito-borne illnesses by draining standing water; covering their clothing and bare skin with repellent; and covering windows with screens.
  • DOH has a robust mosquito-borne illness surveillance system and is working with 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.
  • On April 6, Governor Scott and Interim State Surgeon General Dr. Celeste Philip hosted a conference call with Florida Mosquito Control Districts to discuss ongoing preparations to fight the possible spread of the Zika virus in Florida. There were 74 attendees on the call.
  • On May 11, Governor Scott met with federal leaders on the importance of preparing for Zika as we would a hurricane. Governor Scott requested 5,000 Zika preparedness kits from HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell as well as a plan from FEMA on how resources will be allocated to states in the event an emergency is declared.
  • On June 1, Governor Scott requested for President Obama to provide preparedness items needed in order to increase Florida&#146;s capacity to be ready when Zika becomes mosquito-borne in our state.
  • On June 9, Governor Scott spoke with Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell and CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden on Zika preparedness and reiterated the requests that he has continued to make to the federal government to prepare for the Zika virus once it becomes mosquito-borne in Florida. Governor Scott also requested that the CDC provide an additional 1,300 Zika antibody tests to Florida to allow individuals, especially pregnant women and new mothers, to see if they ever had the Zika virus.
  • On June 23, Governor Scott announced that he will use his emergency executive authority to allocate $26.2 million in state funds for Zika preparedness, prevention and response in Florida.
  • On June 28, the department announced the first confirmed case of microcephaly in an infant born in Florida whose mother had a travel-related case of Zika. The mother of the infant contracted Zika while in Haiti. Following the confirmation of this case, Governor Scott called on CDC to host a call with Florida medical professionals, including OBGYNs and physicians specializing in family medicine, to discuss the neurological impacts of Zika and what precautions new and expecting mothers should take.
  • On July 1, CDC hosted a call with Florida medical professionals, including OB/GYNs, pediatricians and physicians specializing in family medicine, to discuss the neurological impacts of Zika and what precautions new and expecting mothers should take. More than 120 clinicians participated.
  • On July 29, Governor Scott announced that the department had gathered enough information as part of its ongoing investigation into non-travel related cases of Zika in Miami-Dade and Broward counties to conclude that a high likelihood exists that four cases are the result of local transmission. The department believes that active transmission of the Zika virus is occurring in one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown. The exact location is within the boundaries of the following area: NW 5th Avenue to the west, US 1 to the east, NW/NE 38th Street to the north and NW/NE 20th Street to the south.
  • Florida currently has the capacity to test 6,526 people for active Zika virus and 1,985 for Zika antibodies.

Federal Guidance on Zika:
  • According to CDC, Zika illness is generally mild with a rash, fever and joint pain. CDC researchers have concluded that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and other birth defects.
  • The FDA released guidance regarding donor screening, deferral and product management to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmission of Zika virus. Additional information is available on the FDA website here .
  • CDC has put out guidance related to the sexual transmission of the Zika virus. This includes CDC recommendation that if you have traveled to a country with local transmission of Zika you should abstain from unprotected sex.
For more information on Zika virus, click here .[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 
Florida - Health officials investigating a locally acquired Zika transmission in Broward County - total 15

200px-Map_of_Florida_highlighting_Broward_County.svg.png

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15 Non-Travel Zika Cases Identified in Miami-Dade as Mass Spraying Planned For South Florida Counties
...
As concern grows throughout South Florida about the possible spread of Zika, officials from the state Department of Health are saying a 15th non-travel case has been identified.
...
A suspected non-travel related case is being investigated in the southwest part of Broward County, near the cities of Davie and Southwest Ranches.
...
Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the mosquito-control efforts aren't achieving the hoped-for results, suggesting the pests are resistant to the insecticides being used or are still finding standing water in which to breed in the bustling urban neighborhood.
...
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/...-in-Broward-Being-Investigated-388985511.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Health Officials Investigating Another Locally Acquired Zika Transmission In Florida

Posted August 2nd, 2016 @ 5:08pm

The state Department of Health are investigating a 15th non-travel Zika case in Florida.

The suspected case comes from the southwest part of Broward County near Davie and Southwest Ranches. All previous cases were discovered in the Wynwood and Edgewater areas.
...
http://wiod.iheart.com/articles/wio...estigating-another-locally-acquired-14969634/
 
Florida - Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez regarding Miami-Dade County's mosquito control efforts

Statement from Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez regarding Miami-Dade County's mosquito control efforts

MIAMI (August 02, 2016) ? Miami-Dade County remains committed to protecting our community from the spread of the Zika virus. As Mayor, I am also committed to making all resources available to keeping us safe.

In direct response to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Florida Department of Health, I have authorized Miami-Dade County?s Mosquito Control team to begin larvicide and adulticide aerial spraying every seven days for the next four weeks, as warranted by our mosquito-population surveillance data.

This spraying will begin, weather-permitting, tonight or tomorrow morning, and will take place in a 10-square-mile area, with the area north of downtown Miami which includes the Wynwood neighborhood, at the center of the effort.

We will also continue our ongoing outreach and education efforts to ensure that residents and visitors understand what they can do to protect themselves from Zika, and will be distributing mosquito-repellant wipes in areas where cases have been identified.

I ask all residents to continue to do their part by draining standing water, protecting ourselves and our families by using mosquito repellant and covering up when going outdoors, especially during early morning and evening hours.

Miami-Dade County remains safe and open for business. As of today, we have 12 locally-acquired cases and 2.7 million residents. Our Mosquito Control program is effective, and I am confident that we will keep our community safe if we all work together.
# # #
...

http://www.miamidade.gov/releases/2016-08-02-mayor-statement-mosquito-control-efforts.asp
 
http://www.floridahealth.gov/_docume...ika-update.pdf [TABLE="class: text_table"]
[TR]
[TD]
MsgAttachment
August 2, 2016
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 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, the department will continue to 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 three new travel-related cases today and all are located in Miami-Dade County. Please visit our website to see the full list of travel-related cases.

The department is investigating one new non-travel related infection in Miami-Dade County.

The total number of non-travel related infections is 15 and all are in Miami-Dade and Broward County. (previous total was 14 link)

THE DEPARTMENT STILL BELIEVES ACTIVE TRANSMISSION IS ONLY TAKING PLACE WITHIN THE IDENTIFTIED ONE-SQUARE MILE AREA IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY.

For a complete breakdown of non-travel and travel-related Zika infections to-date, please see below. [TABLE="class: text_table"]
[TR]
[TD]Infection Type[/TD]
[TD]Infection Count[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Travel-Related Infections of Zika[/TD]
[TD]336[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Non-Travel Related Infections of Zika[/TD]
[TD]15[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]Infections Involving Pregnant Women[/TD]
[TD]55[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
 
News release from Broward County yesterday:

UPDATE: August 1, 2016. There are now 14 confirmed non-travel related cases of the Zika virus in South Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. Three of them are in Broward County.
...
https://webapps.broward.org/newsrelease/AdminDisplayMessages.aspx?intMessageId=8868

And today from the Mayor of Miami-Dade County:

Miami-Dade County remains safe and open for business. As of today, we have 12 locally-acquired cases and 2.7 million residents. Our Mosquito Control program is effective, and I am confident that we will keep our community safe if we all work together.

https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...-miami-dade-county-s-mosquito-control-efforts
 
Thanks Pathfinder for tracking that down. Crof said a really smart thing a few years ago. When he can no longer easily keep track of cases - there is a problem. :(
 
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