Experts urge people to remain cautious of Zika virus

The Zika virus appears to be on the retreat in Florida.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already lifted warnings for travelers and pregnant women in south Florida.

Although there are fewer cases, experts residents and visitors should still be cautious.

“The vector associated with Zika has not gone away," Chris Bibbs, a mosquito expert, said. "It's actually gotten worse. Not just here in this county, but in Florida and (it) is much more prevalent than it used to be."

Scott Kellogg lives in Fernandina Beach and this seems to be a particularly bad season for mosquitoes.

“The mosquitoes and gnats have been pretty bad,” he said.

According to the Florida Department of Health’s website, during this time last year, there had been a total of 167 travel-related Zika cases in Florida, not including pregnant women.

So far in 2017, there have been 65 travel-related cases in Florida.

“We are far more able to respond almost immediately," Bibbs said. "We have training and programs at the federal and local level."

Visit the Floridahealth.gov for more information about the disease.

Cox Media Group