Zika outbreak confirmed in Florida

The Centers for Disease Control says people living in areas where mosquitoes prone to carrying the Zika virus breed should take the non-travel related cases in Miami seriously.

That mosquito, the aedes aegypti, is in both St. Johns and Duval counties.

Dr. Vandana Bhide at Mayo Clinic said prevention is key.

“For people who work outdoors I think it’s really important to try and cover up as much as you can. Wear long pants, long sleeves, wear socks, put pants in your socks. And of course mosquito repellent,” she said.

The CDC believes active transmission of the Zika virus is occurring in a small but lively neighborhood near downtown Miami.

It’s called Wynwood, known for its art and nightlife.

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The CDC says at least two of the four non-travel related cases in Florida contracted the virus in Wynwood while at work in early July. They have not shown symptoms that have required a hospital visit. Three men and one woman are infected.

The CDC says more cases are possible and they are going door-to-door getting urine samples in the affected area.

Dr. Bhide explains why it is difficult to track the virus without tests.

“80 percent of people who are infected with the Zika virus don’t have any symptoms. That makes it very difficult because a person that is infected and may not know they are infected,” said Bhide.

The CDC said pregnant women do not need to postpone their trips to Miami but take extra precautions, including staying indoors, covering exposed skin and using bug spray.

Cox Media Group